State Department of Immigration Seeks KES 1.884 Billion to Expand Civil Registration Services

The State Department of Immigration and Citizen Services has sought KES 1.884 billion to expand civil registration services and enhance digital operations across the country.

Appearing before the Administration and Internal Security Committee, Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang pledged to establish civil registration desks in all National Registration Bureau (NRB) offices nationwide to improve access to birth and death registration services.

Dr. Kipsang told the Committee, chaired by Gabriel Tongoyo, that the funds would facilitate the purchase of 1,691,541 birth certificates, 219,483 death certificates, and essential production supplies.

“The Department needs these resources to support the purchase of 1,691,541 birth certificates, 219,483 death certificates, and essential production supplies,” he said.

He noted that Kenya currently has 970 NRB offices, emphasizing the need to strengthen civil registration services across the country.

Committee Chairperson Hon. Tongoyo observed that the Births and Deaths Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sponsored by Martha Wangari, was recently assented to by the President, and its implementation will require adequate facilitation by the Department.

Beyond civil registration, Dr. Kipsang identified the issuance of National Identity Cards, digitisation of manual records, management of e-Citizen services, and the rollout of the Unique Personal Identifier (UPI) as key policy priorities requiring additional budgetary allocation.

The Committee also heard submissions from the National Police Service Commission, led by Chief Executive Officer Peter Leley, who said the Commission is seeking restoration of its mandate and roles.

Officials from the State Department for National Government Coordination, headed by Principal Secretary Ahmed Abdisalan, requested a budget review to KES 2,502.80 million for the 2026/27 financial year to strengthen coordination and supervision services.

Meanwhile, the Executive Office of the President, through the Office of the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service led by Arthur Osiya, outlined plans to modernise the Government Press.

Mr. Osiya told the Committee that the upgrade would enable the Government Printer to acquire security print production equipment necessary for printing sensitive documents such as revenue stamps, ballot papers, and secure identification documents. He noted that more than 70 per cent of the current machines are over 30 years old, leading to frequent breakdowns.

The Committee is expected to consider the budget proposals as part of its oversight role in strengthening service delivery and internal security operations across government institutions.