Secondary schools across the country will host a national identity card registration exercise targeting students who have attained the age of 18, following approval by the Ministry of Education.
The National Registration Bureau (NRB) has been granted access to secondary schools to register and issue national identity cards to eligible students, Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa said.
In a notice dated August 31, 2026, Ololtuaa said the exercise would run from August 31 to October 16, with registration officers expected to visit schools during the period.
“This is to confirm that this office has considered and granted approval to the request by the National Registration Bureau for access to Secondary Schools for issuance of National Identity Cards to students across the country,” Ololtuaa said.
The exercise will be conducted during the third term, with the ministry scheduling it within a specific window to avoid interfering with preparations for national examinations.
“However, in view of the 3rd term examinations, the exercise should be undertaken between 31st August, 2026 and 16th October, 2026,” the PS said.
The initiative will enable students who have reached the legal age for registration to obtain their identity cards within their school environment, reducing the need to seek registration services elsewhere.
School administrators have been directed to facilitate access to their institutions for NRB officials and support the registration process.
They are also expected to ensure that the exercise does not interfere with normal learning activities or preparations for the forthcoming examinations.
The ministry’s approval comes as schools enter a critical phase of the academic calendar, with final-year learners preparing to sit their national examinations.
In an official notice dated August 28, Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the ministry was putting measures in place to ensure learners remain focused on their academic work ahead of the examinations.
The Ministry has banned all extracurricular activities, including Prayer Day, for third term, in all schools.
“To enhance focus on effective preparation for national examinations and assessments, and to minimise disruptions, the Ministry shall implement strict controls on extracurricular and social activities during the Third Term.”
“There shall be no prayer sessions for candidates involving parents, outsiders, or external visitors. However, regular prayer and worship activities conducted by school chaplains and teachers within the school community shall remain unaffected,” the PS stated.
The PS directed all schools to adhere to the circular as preparations for the national exams continue.
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