Students to Get National IDs in School Under New Nationwide Exercise

The Ministry of Education has approved the National Registration Bureau (NRB) to access secondary schools across Kenya and issue National Identity cards to eligible students.

Principal Secretary for the State Department for Basic Education John Ololtuaa said the exercise will run from August 31 to October 16, 2026, with the ministry taking the Third Term examinations into account.

In a letter dated August 31, 2026, and addressed to Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services Belio Kipsang, Ololtuaa confirmed that the ministry had approved the NRB’s request to conduct the exercise in secondary schools.

“This is to confirm that this office has considered and granted approval to the request by the National Registration Bureau access to Secondary Schools for issuance of National Identity Cards to students across the country,” Ololtuaa said.

National Identity Cards Registration to Take Place in Schools

The approval follows a request from the National Registration Bureau dated August 21, 2026, seeking permission to access secondary schools and issue National Identity Cards to students.

As a result, registration officers will visit schools across the country to process applications for eligible students.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Education has communicated separately with Regional Directors of Education (RDEs) to help registration officers access the schools.

“A communication to Regional Directors for Education (RDEs) across the country to facilitate access by the Registration Officers has been issued separately,” the PS said.

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ID Exercise to Run Until October 16

Meanwhile, the ministry has set the registration period to ensure the exercise does not interfere with Third Term examinations.

According to the official letter, registration officers will conduct the exercise from August 31 to October 16, 2026.

“However, in view of the 3rd term examinations, the exercise should be undertaken between 31st August, 2026 to 16th October, 2026,” Ololtuaa stated.

Therefore, education officials will coordinate with registration officers to facilitate access to schools while maintaining the examination schedule.

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Regional Directors to Facilitate Access

In addition, the ministry has directed Regional Directors of Education to facilitate access for registration officers during the exercise.

This coordination will enable the officers to reach students in schools across the country while limiting disruption to learning and examinations.

The school-based exercise will also give eligible students an opportunity to apply for their National Identity Cards while in school.

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CS Ogamba during laying-ceremony for a dining hall project in Father Makewa High School on May 15,2026. PHOTO/ Julius Ogamba X