Makonde community seek govt intervention over ID registration hurdles

Some members of the Makonde community in Kwale County are appealing to the government to ease requirements for acquiring National Identity Cards, saying many who were left out during the community’s registration and recognition process in 2016 and 2017 continue to face difficulties proving their citizenship.

The affected individuals, most of whom were minors during the historic registration exercise that culminated in the recognition of the Makonde as Kenya’s 43rd tribe, say they are now unable to obtain identity cards due to the requirement for citizenship certificates.

Without identity cards, many are unable to access employment opportunities, government services, financial institution services, and higher education opportunities.

Among those affected is 27-year-old Anna Zacharia Mushiiri, who missed the registration exercise because she was living in Malindi at the time and was unaware of the process.

“During the registration period, I was not in Kwale. I was born in Makongeni but grew up in Malindi. By the time I learned that members of the community were being registered and issued documents, the exercise had already ended,” she stressed, adding that repeated attempts to obtain a national identity card have been unsuccessful.

“Whenever registration officers come to the area, I try to apply, but I am always asked to produce a citizenship certificate, which I do not have,” she said.

According to Mushiiri, even presenting documents belonging to her parents has not helped resolve the issue.

Her predicament mirrors that of many young people from the community who were underage during the registration exercise and were therefore not issued citizenship certificates.

Abdallah John Fundi, a footballer from the community, says lack of an identity card has limited his opportunities despite his efforts to nurture his sporting talent.

“When I apply for an identity card and identify myself as a member of the Makonde community, I am asked to provide a citizenship certificate, which I do not have. Without it, I cannot proceed,” he said.

Another resident, Cecilia Daniel, said the situation has left many young people unable to secure employment.

“Most employers require an identity card. We cannot get jobs because we do not have IDs, yet we cannot get IDs because we lack citizenship certificates,” she said.

Community members say many of those left out during the registration exercise have no means of obtaining citizenship certificates and are, therefore, trapped in a cycle of exclusion.

They are now urging the government to conduct a fresh registration exercise or establish an alternative mechanism to facilitate the issuance of identity cards to those affected.

Consolata Lawrence, another resident, said she has waited for years hoping for an opportunity to legalize her citizenship.

“I have never received a citizenship certificate, and I do not know how to obtain one. We are appealing for assistance so that we can acquire the necessary documents,” she said.

Makonde Community Chairman, Thomas Nguli, said the challenge mainly affects individuals who were children during the registration exercise but have since attained the age required to apply for an identity card.

“Many of those who were between 13 and 17 years old at the time were not registered. Today they are adults and require identity cards, but they are being asked to produce citizenship certificates, which they do not have,” he said.

Nguli urged the government to address the matter to prevent more members of the community from being locked out of essential services.

The Makonde community was officially recognized as a Kenyan tribe in 2017, following years of advocacy for citizenship rights after living in the country for decades without formal recognition.

Community leaders now hope the government will establish measures to ensure that all eligible members of the community can obtain identification documents and fully enjoy the rights and privileges of citizenship.

By Chari Suche