There’s something most of us take for granted — a small card in a wallet that says: I exist. I belong. I matter.
For many in our Mtaani family, a national identity card is exactly that. Without it, doors close. Jobs stay out of reach. Government services become inaccessible. And come election season, your voice simply doesn’t count.
That’s why, when our community learned that the government’s replacement fee of KSh 1,050 (approx $11 AUD) was standing between our people and their IDs, you showed up. Your generosity made what felt impossible, possible.
The process of obtaining an identity document in Kenya
Recently, six members of our Mtaani family gathered at one of our assembly points and we walked together to the Nakuru Huduma Centre. It wasn’t a simple journey — many had lost access to the email addresses and contact details needed to navigate the eCitizen portal.
But kindness has a way of showing up when you need it most. The staff at the centre, on hearing their story, stepped in to help guide them through the process.
All six Mtaani members completed their applications. Every single one of them.
The relief on their faces said everything words couldn’t.
For many, it was hard to believe the long ordeal was finally over. In a few weeks, they’ll hold their new IDs in their hands — and with them, a future with far fewer closed doors.
But we’re not done yet. Eleven more members of our town-based group are waiting for the same chance. And beyond them, young people in our community who’ve recently turned 18 and need their very first ID — a simpler process, but one that still needs a helping hand.
Every ID is more than a document. It’s protection from exploitation. It’s the right to vote for leaders who represent you. It’s dignity.
Thank you for making this possible.
We’ll keep you updated as we walk alongside the next group — and the next.
