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As the nationwide mass registration and renewal of national identity cards kicks off, officials in Busia district have issued strong warnings to National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) staff against enrolling noncitizens, especially given the district’s proximity to the Kenyan border.

Speaking on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, during the launch held at the Busia Resident District Commissioner (RDC)’s office, Suleiman Mukwasi, the District Registration Officer (DRO), cautioned assistant registrars to remain vigilant. “Be mindful of the [Kenyan] border, which has at times been a breeding ground for dissidents,” he warned.

The event drew attendance from various district officials and members of the public, many of whom took part in the registration and renewal process. Deputy RDC Grace Kanuna emphasized the critical role of the exercise in safeguarding national security. She urged parish-level registration officers not to compromise by registering ineligible individuals.

Kanuna also called for an audit of previously issued ID cards to ensure any fraudulently acquired by noncitizens are recovered. “You are holding the security of this country in your hands,” added Mukwasi, who also advised registrars to treat community members with respect throughout the process.

RDC Hajira Namagogwe issued a stern warning against extortion, reminding the public that the registration service is completely free. “If you know that you cannot provide a free service, resign now and go home. We will not allow anyone to tarnish the name of the NRM government,” she said.

Namagogwe further stressed that mishandling the exercise could negatively affect the NRM party’s political credibility. She urged LC1 officials along the border not to permit non-residents to enroll and cautioned politicians against illegally registering Kenyan nationals to boost their voter numbers.

To facilitate the process, 20 solar-powered registration kits have been deployed across Busia district.