The Key to Adulting: Five Reasons You Need that ID Card ASAP

By Kibaki Muthamia on March 25, 2025

For many young Kenyans, life is full of ambition – dreams of landing a job, starting a business, joining university, or traveling beyond borders.

But there’s one thing that can stop you before you even start: not having a national ID.

For years, getting an ID was a frustrating process. The application fees were a burden, especially for those struggling to make ends meet.

Worse still, for some communities – especially those in border regions – the excessive vetting process made them feel like outsiders in their own country.

But that changes now.

The government has officially scrapped all fees for new ID registrations and eliminated unfair vetting processes.

This means that every Kenyan youth can now walk into an ID registration center and get their national ID completely free – no hidden costs, no unnecessary roadblocks.

And here’s why that matters for you:

1. Job Search & Such Opportunities

A national ID is the first requirement for employment. Whether you’re applying for an internship, a casual job, or a formal position, you must have an ID.

Without it, you can’t:

  • Register for a KRA PIN (which means no formal employment).
  • Sign employment contracts
  • Access government internship programs like KYEOP

Imagine getting a call for an interview, only to be turned away because you lack an ID. Now that it’s free, there’s no reason to delay.

2. Hustle Smarter: Register & Grow Your Business

Kenya is the land of hustlers, and many young people are embracing self-employment.

Whether you want to start a small business, apply for tenders, or even work online through platforms like Ajira Digital, Upwork, and Jumia, an ID is your golden ticket.

Without it, you can’t register a business, apply for government youth funding, or withdraw earnings from digital platforms.

Now that getting an ID is free and hassle-free, why wait?

3. Higher Education & Scholarships: Secure Your Future

For students, an ID is a must-have for:

  • Applying for KUCCPS placement
  • Accessing HELB loans
  • Getting government scholarships

For years, students from marginalized communities faced unnecessary vetting that delayed their applications. That barrier has now been removed.

The government is ensuring that every young Kenyan – regardless of background – has equal access to education.

4. Financial Access: The Key to Banking & Investment

Want to open an M-Pesa account? Apply for a mobile loan? Invest in stocks or government bonds?

An ID is a requirement for all these financial services.

  • Banking & Mobile Money – No ID, no bank account, no M-Pesa.
  • Investment Opportunities – From government bonds to carbon credits, having an ID allows you to invest and grow your money.

5. Rights & Freedom: Vote & Be Counted

Beyond jobs and money, an ID gives you the power to vote and participate in shaping Kenya’s future. It also allows you to travel within East Africa without needing a passport.

Most importantly, an ID protects your rights as a citizen. You can access government services, sign legal documents, and be recognized in national records.

An image of ready ID cards ready for collection at a registration centre in Nairobi County (Image: Online)

Get Your ID Today!

For too long, ID application fees and excessive vetting kept thousands of young Kenyans from securing their future. But with these barriers now removed, there’s nothing stopping you.

The government has made it free, fair, and accessible.

Take advantage of this opportunity and get your ID today – because in Kenya, your ID isn’t just a card, it’s your future.

Click here now to register or visit the nearest Huduma Centre for more details and requirements,