Cabinet urges IEBC to pursue biometric voter registration

The Cabinet has supported the biometric voter registration to help build public confidence in Kenya's electoral body ahead of the next General Election August 3, 2012. FILE

The Cabinet has supported the biometric voter registration to help build public confidence in Kenya's electoral body ahead of the next General Election.

The meeting chaired by President Kibaki at State House, Nairobi Friday "advised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission IEBC to pursue the matter of the biometric system that
will give more credibility and contribute to ensuring a free, fair and transparent election".

Cabinet also waived the Sh300 fee to replace national identity cards.

"This will ensure that no one is denied their voting right as outlined in the Constitution," said a statement from the presidency.

It also ordered government ministries and departments to fast track issuance of the IDs to Kenyan youth to allow universal franchise.

Cabinet also approved several Bills required to be enacted before the August 27 constitutional deadline.

These include: The National Security Council Bill, 2012, The National Intelligence Service Bill, 2012, The Kenya Defence Forces Bill, 2012, The Leadership and Integrity Bill, 2012 and The Right to Petition Parliament (Procedure) Bill, 2012.

On Ebola, Cabinet assured Kenyans that government had put in place measures to contain the disease that has been reported in Uganda.

"The Cabinet appreciated steps including surveillance at all entry points at airports and border posts."

The statement said there was no Ebola case in the country.