Kenya to Use Digital Systems and Local Administrators to Trace Unclaimed ID Cards

Government to use technology and local networks to recover more than 520,000 unclaimed national ID cards

The Kenyan government is stepping up efforts to trace more than 520,000 citizens who have not collected their National Identity Cards, using digital systems and local administrative networks to improve collection. The renewed effort was announced on 29 July after a meeting between Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, where the large number of uncollected ID cards in the county was discussed. 

Dr Omollo said the Ministry of Interior and National Administration is working with county governments to identify residents whose ID cards have been processed but remain at collection centres.

"The Ministry, in partnership with the county administration, is tracing residents whose National Identity Cards have been processed but remain uncollected," the Principal Secretary said.

The government plans to use automated communication systems, centralised public records and existing local administrative structures to contact affected residents. Text messages and emails are expected to be the main methods of notifying applicants when their ID cards are ready for collection. 

Applicants may also be able to track the progress of their applications through their eCitizen accounts, reducing uncertainty and limiting unnecessary visits to government offices. Officials are also expected to use the Integrated Population Registration System (IPRS) to compare records of uncollected ID cards with other government databases linked to taxation, elections and social welfare programmes.

This could help identify updated contact details or changes of address, making it easier to reach applicants. Where digital communication is unsuccessful, the government will rely on Kenya's local administrative network. 

Chiefs, assistant chiefs, village elders and mobile outreach teams may be deployed to inform residents directly, particularly in areas with limited internet access or low use of digital services. According to the latest figures from Huduma Kenya, more than 520,000 National Identity Cards remain uncollected across the country. 

Nairobi has the highest number, with 71,060 unclaimed cards, followed by Kiambu with 40,141, Nakuru with 28,229, Meru with 24,893, Mombasa with 23,000 and Busia with 20,330. Officials say the increase follows the waiver of ID registration fees introduced in May 2025. 

The policy led about 1.7 million Kenyans to apply for National Identity Cards, placing additional pressure on processing and collection services nationwide.