Residents of Likoni, Mombasa County, have expressed their frustrations over the hardships they go through in their attempt to acquire identification cards.
Speaking to this writer on Sunday, the residents asked the relevant authorities to come to their rescue and address the issue.
With voter registration expected to begin in the next two weeks, the residents fear that they may be locked out of the process and be denied an opportunity to participate in the 2017 general elections.
Phoebe Mwongela, a business woman, said she applied for a new ID in October 2015 and is yet to be issued with the document.
She said most of her programmes have stalled due to the lack of the important document, and urged the government to look into the matter.
“How am I going to live in Mombasa without an ID?” she asked.
Idris Omar, a 21-year-old Likoni resident said his has been a tough encounter.
Omar said he applied for his ID nearly nine months ago, and has not received any response up to now.
“I cannot look for a job because many employers require their employees to possess the document. My life is virtually locked,” he said.
Diana Akinyi, a resident, said she is supposed to join university, but she is hesitant since she can not be able to apply for a HELB loan.