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New Kenyan national identity card applicants wait at least four weeks for it to be processed, while lost ID applicants only wait for a week or two. It is advisable to know your application status before proceeding to the relevant collection point, learn how to check your ID status from this article.

Checking a national ID's status about a 10 years ago was tiresome. Applicants had to wait for 4 weeks or more, then travel to their local administration's offices, District Officer or Chief's office to confirm the status of their identity cards. Those who stayed in rural areas had to wait longer while making trips to the D.O. or Chief until they attained their documents.

The Kenyan national ID's processing duration might take up to two months. Therefore, start to track its status after four or five weeks from your ID application date. Your ID status helps you know whether or not your card is ready for collection.

How can I check my ID card details?

The Kenyan government has worked on the lengthy and tiresome national ID status-checking process. It has stamped out the financial problem of making numerous trips to your local administration's offices. Below are simple methods on how to check if your ID card is ready.

1. Visit the nearest Huduma Center

Wiping out a lost ID takes about ten days at Huduma Center, but new applicants must wait a month or two. One of the reasons is that the authorities must verify the information you given on your ID application form.

They will act on the document once they are sure your details are in order. You only require your ID waiting card to inquire about your national ID status at your nearest Huduma Center.

The application documents like parents/guardians' IDs or death certificates are not required. Also, the Huduma Center staff will not educate you how to check your national ID status online because the government is yet to implement such services on the eCitizen portal.

2. Visit the Chief's office

Since Huduma Centers are not located in rural areas, go to the Chief's office. The introduction of Huduma Centers has relieved the Chiefs from the past workload since more people now access government services at tthese centres.

Most people no longer queue at the Chiefs' offices to inquire about their national ID statuses. Additionally, remember to bring your ID waiting card with you.

Read also How to check if a doctor is registered in Kenya

3. How to know if your Kenyan ID has been processed via SMS

Since the national ID search portal is unavailable, you can quickly check your ID card status using your phone.

Ensure you have a working text message plan, at least Ksh.5.00 airtime balance on your SIM card and your ID waiting card's serial number to track the process. The nine-digit serial number on the waiting card facilitates the search. Follow this straightforward guide:

• Create a new conversation on text message
• Type the serial number
• Send the message to 20031

 You will receive a notification message with information regarding your ID status. Sometimes, the process does not bear instant results. If it delays, repeat the process and be patient for up to three days.

How to collect your identity card

After conducting a Kenyan ID number check process and confirming that your ID has been processed, it is up to you to make collection arrangements.

For those in the rural parts of the country, get your ID from your District Officer or Chiefs' offices. It is, however, advisable to start with the Chief's office before going to the D.O. How to know if your Kenyan ID has been processed.

Once you have confirmed that your card is ready, collect it at your nearest Huduma Centers.

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Can someone else pick up my ID card?

Only you can pick up the ID card from the center once you have completed your Huduma Center ID application. This is done for security and to prevent fraud.

How can I check my ID card details?

You can review your ID card's details before its processing is complete. Making a mistake during the application stage is understandable and a common issue. For instance, some people misspell their names.

Do not panic when this happens. Be assured that the Huduma Centre attendants and your Chief's office staff will help you rectify it.

Is it possible to search ID number by name in Kenya?

Presenting a birth certificate is the only way to identify an ID number, and it can only be done at the Huduma Center. A birth certificate has a unique serial number, making identifying who owns a specific ID number easy.

You can check your ID card status online or via SMS right from the comfort of your home, and this guide on how to check your ID status shows you exactly how to do it.

Read also How to Check If My Passport Is Ready In Kenya.

Credits: Tuko News.

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