President William Ruto’s administration has reversed the gazette notice that had created widespread worry among Kenyans by raising fees for obtaining new IDs and passports to an all-time high.
Following a public outcry, Ruto, through Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, announced new fees for government services such as ID replacement.
According to a Gazette notice published on Tuesday, the cost of replacing an ID card has been reduced from Ksh2,000 to Ksh1,000, down from Ksh2,000 two weeks ago.
Needy Kenyans will also be exempt from the increased fees when applying for IDs. However, the specific cost of the service was not specified.
Previously, it was recommended that Kenyans pay Ksh1,000 while applying for IDs.
Passport fees have remained unchanged from those published few weeks ago. Kenyans will pay Ksh7,500 for a standard 34-page passport, and Ksh9,500 for a standard 50-page document.
The standard 66-page travel paperwork will cost Ksh12,500.
Replacement of lost passports, on the other hand, will cost Ksh20,000, an increase from the current Ksh12,000.
An express passport will set you back Ksh30,000.
In addition, the Secretary of State authorized the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services to conduct and complete public participation for the revised rates by December 10, 2023.
The revised prices will go into effect on January 1, 2024.
Kenyans, however, remain dissatisfied with Ruto’s administration because they believe the new tariffs are still excessive.
