By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, 30 July 2026 - Kenyans who lose their national identity cards and cannot remember their identification numbers will still be able to replace the documents, according to a clarification issued by Huduma Kenya.
The announcement is expected to bring relief to thousands of Kenyans who often discover, after losing their identity cards, that they no longer remember the unique numbers required to begin the replacement process.
According to Huduma Kenya, affected individuals can visit the nearest Huduma Centre, where officials will help trace their details using information available in government databases.
The agency further explained that biometric identification technology, including fingerprint verification, can also be used to retrieve the necessary records.
"Upon visiting the centre, our officers will assist you in tracing the ID number through the system," Huduma Kenya explained.
Although forgetting an identification number does not prevent the replacement process from moving forward, applicants will still be required to provide accurate personal information to verify their identities. According to Huduma Kenya, these details include:
- Full names.
- Date of birth.
- Biometric information, including fingerprints.
- Additional supporting documents where necessary.
Officials have urged applicants to ensure that all information provided matches government records to avoid unnecessary delays.
As with other lost document replacement procedures, applicants are also expected to obtain a police abstract confirming that the identification card was lost. Huduma Kenya has repeatedly emphasized that the document helps prevent identity theft and protects citizens against fraudulent activities.
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The police abstract, together with biometric verification, enables officials to establish the identity of an applicant even when an identification number cannot immediately be recalled.
The clarification highlights the growing role of technology in the delivery of government services through the Huduma Kenya programme, which was established to provide citizens with easier access to multiple public services from a single location.
Huduma Centres now offer dozens of services ranging from national identity card applications and birth certificate processing to business registration and tax services.
The use of biometric information has become increasingly important as the government expands digital identity initiatives aimed at improving efficiency while strengthening security measures.
Despite these improvements, applicants continue to face several challenges, including occasional technical failures, processing delays and uncertainty regarding replacement procedures. Earlier this year, some Huduma Centres reported system disruptions that temporarily affected the processing of identity cards and other services.
The government has, however, maintained that efforts are underway to strengthen service delivery and reduce waiting times across the country.
For citizens who may have misplaced their identity cards years ago, the latest clarification provides reassurance that losing the document and forgetting the identification number does not necessarily mean starting the process from scratch. As long as the correct personal details can be verified, officials say the information can still be retrieved.