The government has appealed to Kenyans to collect thousands of identity cards, driving licenses, and birth certificates that have remained uncollected at Huduma Centres across the country.
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Justin Muturi said the backlog is alarming with over 190,000 identity cards, 60,000 driving licenses, and 55,000 birth certificates lying unclaimed in various Huduma Centres nationwide.
Speaking during a visit at the Huduma Centre in Thika today, Muturi said Huduma Centres are service points and not storage facilities for such documents.
“There is a pressing need for citizens to take responsibility and collect their documents to ease the burden on service providers. These documents are essential and should not lie in the offices,” Muturi said.
The CS said these documents are crucial in accessing essential services and that neglecting to collect they could hinder individuals from benefiting from government programs and opportunities.
Muturi further revealed that despite repeated attempts by Huduma Centre officials to reach out to the applicants, many have failed to respond or show up to collect their documents.
“The staff at the centres have gone above and beyond their mandate by trying to contact applicant’s multiple times, but the responsibility ultimately lies with the citizens. The situation presents a headache to the government as well as the staff at the centres, “Muturi said.
The CS urged those who applied for these documents to take the initiative to check their status and pick them up as soon as possible.
Despite the challenges posed by the uncollected documents, Muiruri took the opportunity to commend Huduma Centre workers for their dedication and high-quality service delivery.
Muturi at the same time announced that the government is rolling out plans to expand Huduma Centre services to the grassroots level, ensuring that more Kenyans can access these essential services with ease.
He revealed that many MPs have expressed interest in partnering with Huduma Centres to establish more service points in their constituencies, a move that would bring services closer to the people. This partnership, Muturi said, is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance service delivery and ensure that no Kenyan is left behind.
On the performance of the Huduma centres, the CS while rating them at 80 per cent said they continue to operate efficiently some of the challenges that they face.
By Muoki Charles
