The government has commenced the distribution of Huduma cards after a long period of waiting that prompted speculation by Kenyans that the entire exercise was a scam.
The distribution exercise in Bungoma County was launched on Wednesday.
Area County Commissioner Samuel Kimiti assured residents that the card will come in handy as all vital documents have now been compressed into one.
Kimiti noted that henceforth, use of counterfeit documents by conmen to get services will be a thing of the past as the new card is able to authenticate genuine identity.
“Some rogue people have been using fake Identity cards to register for services, take loans thus putting legitimate owners in trouble, this card will tame such mischief for good,” he said
He also said the new card will block foreigners from getting identity cards in Kenya and denying genuine Kenyans access to opportunities as has happened in the past.
“We have many immigrants who have got our identification cards and have denied our youth job opportunities but the new card now becomes a one-stop reservoir of your information.
Kimiti has at the same time issued a stern warning to those who will break the law especially during this festive season that they will meet with the brutal hand of the law
“Those who will be used by politicians to cause chaos in funerals and churches will be arrested and taken to court to carry their own cross.
On reopening of schools, Kimiti urged parents and teachers to prepare adequately to enable all learners to resume school without delay in January as planned.
He has encouraged chiefs to take total control of their areas to ensure peace is maintained and that all government programmes were running smoothly.
He said all those who registered through electronic means will also be able to collect their cards.
By Roseland Lumwamu
