State to Register 500,000 Coast Residents Without ID Cards

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The government has announced a major civil registration drive targeting more than 500,000 adults in the Coast region who currently lack national identity cards.

This move is expected to unlock access to essential government services for thousands of residents.

Interior cabinet secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Friday, January 16, 2026, said the State would deploy ‘live capture machines’ across the region to ensure all eligible persons were registered and issued with identity documents.

Counties such as Kwale host communities like the Makonde, Warundi and other long-time residents who remain stateless due to years of non-registration.

“There are more than 500,000 adults in the Coastal region who do not have national identity cards. We will deploy live capture machines and work closely with leaders to ensure all eligible persons are registered so they can access government services,” he said.

He added: “To further deepen these gains, all subcounties across the country will have civil registration services within three months.”

Speaking during a high-level security and development meeting with Coast leaders at the Uhuru Kenya Maritime Authority Complex, the CS declared an intensified crackdown on drug trafficking networks in the region.

He said the government, acting on President William Ruto’s directive, would arrest, detain and confiscate assets belonging to individuals found to be involved in the drug trade.

“I rallied the MPs around our stepped-up fight against alcohol and drug abuse, with the focus turning to disrupting production, trafficking and distribution networks, while seizing the assets of the offenders to support rehabilitation.”

The meeting reviewed progress made in implementing recommendations from the Jukwaa la Usalama forums and identifying areas that require further action and collaboration between national and county governments.

The secretary confirmed a renewed offensive against criminal gangs operating in the Coast region to restore lasting peace and security.

“We will also intensify our crackdown on the remaining criminal networks while focusing on the rehabilitation and reintegration of reformed offenders and gainfully engaging them.”

“We have made significant progress in addressing most of the challenges, including reining in juvenile gangs and operationalising administrative units in order to bring services closer to the people.”

Murkomen was accompanied by his Mining and Blue Economy counterpart Hassan Ali Joho, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, mining principal secretary Harry Kimutai, NACADA chief executive officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa, principal administrative secretary Beverly Opwora, Coast regional police commander Ali Nuno, and other senior government officials.

Mr Joho said the meeting offered a critical platform for open and constructive dialogue on issues affecting Coast residents.

“We deliberated on strengthening security, enhancing civil registration services, addressing the challenge of drug and substance abuse, combating gender-based violence and improving support and welfare for our security officers.”

According to him they explored practical ways to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of government service delivery across the Coast region.

The CS noted that the discussions underscored a shared commitment to collaborative leadership and people-centred solutions aimed at promoting safety, dignity and sustainable development for all residents.

The meeting was attended by several leaders, including senators and MPs from Mombasa, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Lamu and Tana River counties among others.