By Burnett Munthali
Lilongwe, Malawi – Following widespread allegations that the National Registration Bureau (NRB) was involved in electoral manipulation at the Kanengo NFRA warehouse, the Principal Secretary for the NRB, MAK Sambo, has provided detailed responses to clarify the bureau’s operations.
The allegations raised concerns over the presence of NRB computers and national ID materials at the warehouse, which some critics claimed could indicate unauthorized activities. Below is a summary of the key points made by PS MAK Sambo during an exclusive interview:
According to Sambo, the Kanengo NFRA warehouse is a designated National ID Card Sorting Centre. He explained that this facility is used for the quality checking, sorting, and distribution of national ID cards to districts and registration centers. The bulk-printed IDs are first delivered to this location for processing.
“This is a National ID card sorting center for quality checks and logistics, and it is part of NRB’s regular operations,” he stated, adding that the facility is equipped with computers and tracking software akin to systems used by logistics companies like FedEx and DHL.
Sambo strongly denied the need for an internal investigation, emphasizing that the Kanengo warehouse is a legitimate operational center. “NRB has no mandate over elections. Our support to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is governed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), as national IDs are recognized as the primary proof of identification for voters,” he clarified.
While refuting claims of electoral manipulation, Sambo did acknowledge that the motive behind the allegations made by certain MPs needs to be investigated by appropriate institutions.
Sambo highlighted that NRB does not coordinate its operations with the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA), as the warehouse serves solely as a logistical hub for NRB activities. He also pointed to ongoing collaboration with stakeholders, including MEC and political parties, to address concerns regarding ID distribution ahead of the 2025 elections.
“NRB engages stakeholders through various fora. Just yesterday, we held a day-long meeting with MEC and political parties to discuss ID card distribution,” he said.
The Principal Secretary took the opportunity to spotlight NRB’s accomplishments, including:
Registering over 16 million Malawians and issuing unique national IDs.
Successfully registering over 100% of the estimated adult population.
Preparing to launch marriage registration and a campaign to register unregistered individuals under 16 years old.
Sambo underscored the importance of NRB as a key player in Malawi’s digitalization agenda and as a building block for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
“NRB is central to boosting Malawi’s economy through its role in digital identity and civil registration. It is not just a National ID authority but also a Civil Registration Authority,” he explained.
Sambo reassured Malawians that NRB operates transparently and within the law. He urged stakeholders to support the bureau’s mandate and achievements instead of politicizing its operations.
“NRB is non-partisan and must not be dragged into political disputes. The institution’s successes are backed by data and must be sustained to benefit all Malawians,” he concluded.
The NRB principal secretary called on stakeholders to recognize the bureau’s pivotal role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.9, which seeks to provide legal identity for all.
“Malawi is a global leader in implementing SDG 16.9. Let us sustain this progress together,” he said.
While NRB’s explanation sheds light on its operations at the Kanengo warehouse, the allegations underscore the need for transparency and accountability in public institutions. As Malawi gears up for the 2025 elections, it is vital for stakeholders to engage constructively to ensure free and fair electoral processes.
Malawi will continue monitoring this story for any further developments.
