Huduma Kenya Explains How a Kenyan Can End Up Having Two ID Cards

Huduma Kenya has explained how a Kenyan citizen can end up with two national identity cards after losing one, applying for a replacement, and later recovering the previously lost card.

This explanation came in response to a query by a Kenyan citizen who sought to find out how things would work in case of application for a replacement of the lost ID card while the individual was able to recover the card before collecting the new one.

The citizen hoped to find out whether there would be an opportunity to cancel the request for the replacement card.

According to Huduma Kenya, the process of applying for a replacement could not be cancelled at that point.

“Good, no you cannot cancel, you can pick it and have two,” Huduma Kenya said.

What Makes It Possible for a Kenyan to Carry Two ID Cards?

The reply to the above question provided by Huduma Kenya gave an answer to what many Kenyans had asked about losing and regaining their identity cards.

Q: What will happen if someone loses an identity card, gets a duplicate one, but then finds the original before getting the replacement one?

A: As per Huduma Kenya, the new ID cannot be cancelled. The applicant can still collect the new card even when he/she finds the original one.

How Long Does ID Replacement Take?

The discussion also attracted additional questions from members of the public seeking clarification on identity card services.

“How long does ID replacement take for one to receive it?” One Facebook user, Leonard Ngeno, asked.

“It takes approximately 2 weeks for it to be processed,” Huduma Kenya responded.

Also Read: Locations of Huduma Centres Where Students Can Get HELB Assistance

Is the ID Replacement System Working?

Another Facebook user, Boutross Wekesa, sought clarification on the reliability of the replacement system.

“Why is the ID replacement system not always working?” he asked.

In response, Huduma Kenya assured citizens that the system was operational.

“Hello, kindly note that our ID systems are up and running. Visit us on Tuesday for your ID replacement,” the agency stated.

How Much Does ID Replacement Cost?

Questions also emerged regarding the cost of replacing a lost identity card.

“Hello, good morning. How much is required to replace my ID?” Facebook user Tim Kibwana asked.

“Hello, ID replacement is free of charge,” Huduma Kenya replied.

The clarification means applicants seeking replacement IDs do not have to pay for the service.

Also Read: How to Check HELB Loan Status Using SMS, Portal, and Mobile App

How Long Does a Birth Certificate Take?

The agency also addressed concerns about civil registration documents.

“Hongera! Namuuliza Kwa unyenyekevu, Cheti cha kuzaliwa huchukua muda Gani kuwa tayari?” Facebook user David Wanyonyi asked.

“Cheti cha kuzaliwa huwa kinachukua mwezi mmoja kuwa tayari,” Huduma Kenya responded in Kiswahili.

What Is Causing Delays in ID Production?

Despite the clarifications, some citizens expressed frustration over delays in obtaining national identity cards.

“What’s wrong with our IDs? Somebody come out loud and tell us what is wrong. We have been waiting, waiting, waiting, and waiting. What’s wrong?” Agitated Facebook user Kiptoo Terer raised concerns.

Huduma Kenya acknowledged the delays and attributed them to a significant production backlog.

“Hello. We are experiencing a huge backlog, which is causing a delay in ID production,” the agency replied.

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Huduma Centre Nairobi GPO office. PHOTO/ Huduma Kenya