The Kenyan government has ordered National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) to accelerate the registration and issuance of national identity cards to all eligible citizens, coinciding with increased efforts to combat drug trafficking, organised crime, and other security threats in the Coast region.

During a meeting in Mombasa, Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo emphasized the vital role of county commissioners, chiefs, their assistants, and village elders in ensuring comprehensive registration coverage. He highlighted that the national ID is key for effective government planning and enables citizens to access opportunities and participate fully in national development.

Security and Community Collaboration

PS Omollo called for strengthened intelligence gathering and community policing to tackle organised crime, violent extremism, and substance abuse—issues particularly prevalent in the Coast, a strategic economic hub through the Port of Mombasa. He urged local leaders to remain alert to drug hotspots and work closely with communities to protect youth from addiction and crime.

"Mombasa is a critical economic centre whose security impacts the entire country. Maintaining peace here is essential for business growth, investment, tourism, and economic opportunities," he stated.

Support for Education and Health Initiatives

Highlighting the government's investment in human capital, PS Omollo noted that the education sector received the largest budget allocation of Sh787.4 billion this fiscal year. He encouraged collaboration among administrators, parents, and schools to sustain enrolment, retention, and skills development through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Additionally, Mombasa County's success in Social Health Authority registration, achieving 83 percent coverage, was praised as a model of inter-agency cooperation ensuring access to quality healthcare.

Stakeholders at the Forefront

  • Coast Regional Commissioner Paul Rotich
  • Mombasa County Commissioner Mohammed Hassan
  • Regional and County Security Intelligence Committees

The meeting underscored a unified approach among government agencies and community leaders to enhance service delivery and security from the grassroots level.