By Abdimalik Hajir - Reporter
June 14, 2026 - Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Saturday pledged to fast-track the processing of national identity cards, acknowledging the prolonged delays that have left many residents waiting for months to receive the crucial document.
Speaking in Saka during the graduation ceremony of a madrasa, the CS said he has taken up the matter with the Principal Secretary in charge of IDs, insisting he will not allow such an unprecedented level of delays.
President William Ruto has removed the vetting that initially involved a long process of ID application, which previously required representation from security agencies including the National Intelligence Service, the DCI, local administration, and community elders.
However, even after the removal of vetting, locals across the North Eastern region have complained of extraordinary delays in processing IDs.
"I have a problem with my ID card. I have talked to the PS while I am here. I don't want anyone to sabotage President William Ruto's government," said Duale.
The vocal CS told residents that after the removal of the discriminative vetting, only the chief and the National Registration Bureau are supposed to preside over ID applications. He added that he has also asked school head teachers to ensure students who have attained the right age have identity cards.
The former Majority Leader in the National Assembly asked chiefs and local administrators to ensure residents get IDs in large numbers before the general elections, noting that the six constituencies of Garissa should have 500,000 voters.
The CS also clashed with a section of opposition members whom he said had been claiming the region did not have numbers, adding that they were shocked to see Wajir Stadium full to the brim.
"They said that the stadium would have no one, but it was full by 5 in the morning. They are now going back to the drawing board," he said.
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The CS also visited Saka Girls Secondary School, where he promised to install solar power within the school as well as a borehole.
The CS later flew to Balambala to inspect the ongoing construction of the Balambala Sub-County Hospital. The facility, a 150-bed capacity hospital currently 70% complete, represents a significant upgrade in healthcare infrastructure for the region.
Once operational, the hospital is expected to offer comprehensive medical services, including specialised outpatient and inpatient care, surgical services, maternity and newborn units, and enhanced diagnostic capabilities. This upgrade is poised to drastically reduce the need for residents to travel long distances for advanced medical treatment.
President William Ruto is expected to commission the facility once construction is fully finalised.
Duale, who was accompanied by Garissa County Executive Committee Member in charge of health Ahmednathir Omar, urged the contractor to maintain high standards and timelines to ensure the hospital is delivered without delay.