Tension is mounting in Busia County after residents accused foreign nationals from neighbouring Uganda of unlawfully acquiring Kenyan national identity cards ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The claims, which have sparked political and security concerns in the border county, have intensified fears over the credibility of future elections and the alleged misuse of public resources meant for Kenyan citizens.
Residents speaking during a public engagement forum alleged that a growing number of Ugandans are obtaining Kenyan IDs with ease, while locals continue to face delays and strict vetting procedures when applying for the same documents.
“We are not happy at all. Ugandans are coming in and getting ID cards without verification and vetting. But for us as residents, we find it hard to get the documents,” one resident complained.
Another added: “The vetting process is still there, especially for us as Kenyans, but Ugandans are getting it easily.”
The accusations have triggered sharp debate among locals, with many questioning how foreign nationals are allegedly accessing crucial government documents and public services reserved for citizens.
Some residents blamed the porous Kenya-Uganda border, arguing that the free movement of people between the two East African nations has made it easier for undocumented individuals to blend into communities and allegedly acquire official documents fraudulently.
The concerns have also reignited fears of possible electoral manipulation ahead of the 2027 polls, with residents warning that individuals holding Kenyan identity cards could potentially register as voters.
However, government officials have defended the situation, pointing to the unique social and cultural dynamics of the Busia border region.
Authorities say cross-border movement between Kenya and Uganda is common, with families and businesses operating on both sides of the border. Intermarriages between Kenyan and Ugandan communities have also been cited as one of the reasons behind the increasing number of foreign nationals seeking legal documentation in Kenya.
Speaking during a visit to Busia County on Thursday, May 20, Immigration Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang urged chiefs and local administrators to assist foreigners legally married to Kenyan citizens in obtaining proper documentation.
“Our chiefs should sensitise those who are in this country rightfully through marriage so that they are able to acquire documents that make them legally able to be in this country,” Kipsang said.
The latest revelations are expected to pile pressure on immigration authorities and electoral agencies to tighten verification systems ahead of the next General Election.
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