NIRA Suspends Distribution of IDs in Kwania Sub Counties

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) office in Kwania has suspended the distributions of National Identity Cards in two sub counties in the district. 

The affected sub counties are Abongomola and Ayabi.

The suspension was announced by Wilfred Okumu, the NIRA Officer in-charge Kwania district .

He explained that his office had received numerous complaints of alleged cases of extortion by volunteers distributing the cards in those areas.

“I’ve got several complaints about extortion of my volunteers in specific sub-counties of Iyabi and Abongomola that they’re extorting money,” he said.

He said  other distribution points will continue to operate although all the kits will be withdrawn from Abongomola and Ayabi pending investigations.

NIRA is conducting mass distribution of cards at the district and parish levels, whereas many remain uncollected due to communication gaps. 

Locals especially from Atong-tidi Sub County raise the concern of extortion when they turnup  to pick up their IDs.

On Tuesday, Agnes Amute from Te-ilwa and Esther Odyek from Ikwera told reporters that NIRA the volunteers distributing cards at Atongtidi sub county headquarters were demanding for 1,000 shillings for “tea and lunch” from everyone  picking up their cards.

However, a NIRA volunteer who preferred anonymity explained that the vice may be fueled by lack of facilitation for the volunteers who he said are not being paid since their job contract ended some months back.

Meanwhile Abraham Aturu, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner Kwania said such complaints had not reached his desk but promised to follow up and bring the culprits to book.

While new registrations, renewals and distributions of National IDs are officially free, corrupt officials and impostors have been documented charging citizens for these services which began in May 2025.