Ruto Urged to Eliminate ID Vetting for Second Term by Kindiki in Northern Kenya
Breaking Barriers: Northern Kenya’s New Path to Inclusivity
In a significant move for Kenya’s northern regions, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki recently championed President William Ruto’s abolition of the contentious ID vetting process, a change hailed as a step towards equal treatment for all Kenyans. Speaking to Lagdera residents in Garissa, Kindiki emphasized the importance of Ruto’s efforts to dismantle discriminatory practices that have historically marginalized Northeastern communities.
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Ending Decades of Discrimination
For over six decades, residents in Northern Kenya faced a rigorous vetting process to obtain national IDs, a practice that not only delayed access to essential services but also fostered feelings of exclusion. “No government has made efforts to unite Kenyans like the current regime under President William Ruto,” Kindiki proclaimed. His words echoed the relief and hope many feel as barriers finally begin to fall.
This change, achieved through a Presidential Proclamation signed by Ruto on February 5, means Northeastern residents can now acquire identification documents as easily as those in other regions. This decision marks the end of what Ruto termed “unjust and disenfranchising practices,” a sentiment shared by many in Wajir Town where the decree was read aloud.
A Symbol of National Unity
“If it’s about vetting, let all children of Kenya be vetted equally without any discrimination,” Ruto declared, reaffirming his government’s commitment to equality. The move is not just administrative but deeply symbolic, representing a shift towards a more inclusive national identity.
For years, the vetting process subjected individuals to ethnic profiling, often delaying or denying access to basic rights and services. The change is expected to improve access to education, healthcare, and employment, thereby enhancing the quality of life for millions.
Collaborative Development and Regional Growth
The Deputy President also underscored the ongoing collaborative efforts between local leaders and the Kenya Kwanza administration. “We appreciate the decision by the leaders to support our President and the government. We do not take it for granted,” Kindiki noted. This partnership is seen as a catalyst for regional development, with promises of accelerated projects worth billions of shillings.
One of the major projects includes the LAPSSET corridor, a 315-kilometer infrastructure endeavor linking Lamu, Ijara, Masalani, Garissa, and Isiolo, estimated to cost Ksh27 billion. This project symbolizes the government’s commitment to integrating marginalized regions into the national fabric, promoting economic growth, and improving the accessibility of remote areas.
Voices from the Ground
Residents in Northeastern Kenya have welcomed these initiatives, expressing a mixture of optimism and cautious anticipation. “For the first time, we feel seen and heard by the central government,” said Aisha Abdullahi, a teacher in Garissa. “This change brings hope that our children will no longer grow up feeling like second-class citizens.”
The region’s leaders have advocated for these changes for years, highlighting the need for equitable treatment and development. Their collaboration with the current administration is seen as a hopeful sign of sustainable progress and unity.
A National Model?
These reforms in Northern Kenya represent a broader trend towards inclusivity and equality, raising questions about how such models can be applied elsewhere. Can Kenya’s path serve as an example for other nations dealing with similar internal disparities? This significant policy shift showcases how political will and community collaboration can drive meaningful change.
As global communities reckon with issues of identity and equality, Kenya’s ongoing changes provide a case study in balancing tradition with modernity, equity with unity. Kindiki’s rhetorical question to the Lagdera residents rings out: “Will you add him another term for abolishing ID vetting?” It’s a question not just about political support but about the broader trajectory of Kenya’s national narrative.
As these developments unfold, the world watches closely, contemplating the implications for similar policies worldwide. In the end, Kenya’s experience may offer valuable lessons in how nations can address long-standing inequities through policy reforms that emphasize inclusivity and community engagement.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.