President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed that a team to be formed to ensure youth from the Coast region are issued with National Identification cards (IDs).
The President said the team which will be formed will address concerns raised by youth in getting the cards.
The youth who were speaking to the President said they were being harassed by police officers because they do not have the document.
President Kenyatta said: “I have directed that a team be formed to ensure youth who do not have identity cards obtain the document to end harassment by security agencies.”
“Acquiring IDs will enable you to access opportunities such as getting loans from financial institutions to better your lives. We need more voters in the coming elections as well.”
The President was speaking on Wednesday at State House in Mombasa County during a question and answer session with more than 600 young people from the Coast region.
Various Cabinet Secretaries were also present at the event which drew youth from Mombasa, Lamu, Kilifi, Tana River, Kwale and Taita Taveta counties.
The leaders said there was need for Coast residents to acquire necessary documents and participate in key transformative activities.