Residents in Busia County have raised concern over the increasing number of Ugandan nationals allegedly holding Kenyan national identity cards illegally. The issue has triggered debate in the border county, with locals claiming that foreigners are accessing public services and opportunities meant for Kenyan citizens.
Many residents say the situation has become more common in recent years, especially in towns near the Kenya-Uganda border where movement between the two countries happens freely every day. According to locals, the close relationship between communities on both sides of the border has made it easier for undocumented individuals to blend into local communities and allegedly obtain Kenyan IDs through fraudulent means.
Some residents now claim that foreigners are finding it easier to acquire Kenyan identity cards than local citizens. They argue that despite government promises to ease the process of obtaining the important document, many Kenyans in Busia still go through strict vetting and long delays before they can receive their IDs.
One resident expressed frustration, claiming that Ugandans are allegedly receiving the documents without proper verification while locals continue to struggle with the process. Another resident said the vetting system still exists for Kenyans despite earlier assurances that the process had been simplified.
The growing claims have also raised concerns about the credibility of the 2027 General Election. Some residents fear that foreigners who possess Kenyan identity cards could potentially register as voters and take part in the election illegally.
Others are now calling on the government to tighten the registration process and investigate how the documents are being issued.
However, government officials have defended the situation by pointing to the unique nature of the Busia border. Movement between Kenya and Uganda is common in the region, with families, businesses and social activities often spread across both countries.
Intermarriage between Kenyan and Ugandan families has also been cited as one of the reasons behind the growing number of Ugandans applying for legal documentation in Kenya.
Immigration Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang recently urged chiefs and local administrators in Busia to help identify Ugandans who are legally living in Kenya through marriage so they can obtain proper documentation.
Speaking during a visit to the county on Thursday, May 20, Kipsang said those who are in the country legally should be assisted in acquiring documents that allow them to stay in Kenya lawfully.