Basic Education PS Julius Bitok speaks during a past official function. PHOTO/@JuliusKBitok/X
The Ministry of Education has launched a nationwide exercise to register eligible secondary school students for National Identity Cards within their schools, marking a significant step in improving access to essential government documentation for learners.
In a circular dated May 29, 2025, the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Julius Bitok, directed all Regional and County Directors of Education to ensure secondary school principals collaborate with relevant officers to implement the initiative during the second school term (May–August 2025).
The programme is being undertaken in partnership with the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services through the National Registration Bureau (NRB).
Easing transition pathways
Speaking on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, through his X platform, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, Raymond Omollo, emphasized the goal of easing the transition for students completing secondary school.
“The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, has launched the Second Term School-Based National ID Registration Exercise (May–August 2025),” Omollo said.
The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, has launched the Second Term School-Based National ID Registration Exercise (May–August 2025).
— Dr. Raymond Omollo — CBS (@ray_omollo) June 3, 2025
“All eligible secondary school students who have attained the age of 18 will be registered for National Identity Cards within their schools.
This initiative will enable students to seamlessly transition into tertiary education, employment, and access financial aid such as HELB.”
Principals to assist
In the official circular, PS Bitok explained that school principals and their deputies will act as identification agents for their students, in collaboration with National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), to ensure the process is smooth and efficient.
“This initiative is designed to ensure that Kenyan students who have attained the age of 18 are registered for National Identity Cards while still in school, enabling them to access tertiary education placements, job opportunities and financial aid such as HELB loans without delay,” the Education Ministry’s statement reads.
The government is urging full cooperation from school administrators, noting that the exercise is critical in eliminating future delays in ID acquisition and access to key services for school leavers.
Thousands of students are expected to benefit from the school-based registration drive before the second term concludes in August.
