Digital rollout targets diaspora access and service delivery
NAIROBI — The Embassy of Somalia in Kenya has launched a new office for the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) Somalia, expanding access to national identification services for Somali citizens living abroad as part of a broader digital governance push.
The office was officially inaugurated at the embassy in Nairobi by Somalia’s ambassador to Kenya, Jibril Ibrahim Abdulle, alongside NIRA Director General Abdiweli Ali Abdulle. Diplomats, embassy staff and government officials attended the ceremony, which authorities described as a milestone in strengthening state services for the Somali diaspora.
Officials said the new office will provide biometric registration, issuance of national identity cards, and updates of civil records, including birth and residency data. The system is expected to integrate with Somalia’s evolving digital database, helping authorities improve identity verification and reduce fraud.
Abdiweli said the authority is accelerating its international expansion to meet growing demand among Somalis living outside the country. He noted that the Nairobi office is the 30th NIRA center established globally, reflecting efforts to build a unified and secure identification system.
“Our goal is to ensure that every Somali citizen, regardless of location, has access to a recognized and secure national identity,” he said. “This is essential for inclusion, protection, and participation in national development.”
Ambassador Jibril said the initiative will eliminate long-standing challenges faced by Somali nationals in Kenya, many of whom previously had to travel to Somalia to obtain official identification.
“This office brings critical government services closer to our people,” he said. “It will save time, reduce costs, and strengthen the connection between citizens and their government.”
Kenya hosts one of the largest Somali diaspora populations in the region, particularly in Nairobi and surrounding areas. Community leaders have long called for improved access to documentation, citing difficulties in accessing banking services, education enrollment, employment opportunities, and cross-border travel without valid identification.
Officials added that the new office is expected to support vulnerable groups, including refugees, students, and business owners, by providing legally recognized identification that can facilitate access to essential services.
The launch also aligns with Somalia’s wider reform agenda aimed at rebuilding national institutions after decades of conflict. Strengthening civil registration and identification systems has been identified as a key priority for improving governance, security, and economic development.
Authorities say additional NIRA offices are planned in other countries hosting significant Somali populations as the government continues efforts to modernize public service delivery and enhance engagement with its diaspora.
