Luo Mirror 
By Paul Omondi | Kisumu | 15 April 2026
More than 80,000 national identity cards remain uncollected across Kenya’s Nyanza region, according to an official letter, prompting renewed efforts by authorities to reach affected residents.
The document, dated 14 April 2026 and seen by Luo Mirror, indicates that a total of 80,027 identity cards have yet to be picked up across six counties. Kisumu accounts for the largest share, with 32,286 uncollected cards.
According to the figures provided, Homa Bay has 12,205 uncollected cards, Siaya 11,426, Kisii 14,610, Migori 5,450 and Nyamira 4,047.
Officials Mobilise Local Administrators to Accelerate Collection
The letter, signed by the Regional Registration Officer for Nyanza, calls on chiefs, assistant chiefs, Huduma Centre managers and officials from the National Registration Bureau to mobilise residents and facilitate distribution.
The communication, addressed to the Regional Commissioner for Nyanza, states that the government is seeking to ensure the cards are delivered to their rightful owners “within the region”.
Access to Essential Services at Risk
Officials say the backlog is affecting access to essential services, many of which require a national identity card. These include voter registration, banking, school enrolment and a range of government transactions.
In parts of Luo Nyanza, the issue carries broader social and economic implications, particularly for young people seeking employment, travel documentation and access to state programmes.
Longstanding Concerns Over Identity Document Delays
Delays in the processing and collection of identity documents have previously drawn concern from residents and civil society organisations, especially in regions where access to registration services can be uneven.
The latest figures are likely to increase pressure on local administrators to resolve the backlog, particularly ahead of upcoming civic processes and the continued rollout of government services.
