NAIROBI, KENYA — President William Ruto has declared a new policy ensuring that all Kenyan citizens will obtain their national identification cards without any cost.
During a public address on the fourth day of his tour within Nairobi, the President made it clear that the issuance of these critical documents must be carried out without any discriminatory practices.
He stressed the fundamental right of every Kenyan to possess an ID, stating unequivocally that no individual should be turned away or compelled to pay for this essential form of identification.
The President’s directive aims to guarantee equitable access for all citizens.
“Issues of discrimination in matters of identity card issuance are something we must do away with. Every Kenyan should be given an identity card,” he said.
To further solidify this commitment, President Ruto explicitly stated that the practice of charging fees for ID cards has been eliminated, designed to streamline the process and remove financial barriers for all Kenyans.
“I would like to announce today while I am in Kibra that identity card issuance should be done without any form of payment,” he stated.
President Ruto’s announcement follows widespread public concern over the increasing costs associated with obtaining and replacing national identification cards.
Previously, a government directive in November 2023 significantly raised replacement fees from Ksh100 to Ksh1,000.
While a proposed increase for first-time applicants was later adjusted, a Ksh300 fee remains, drawing criticism from both political leaders and civil rights organizations.
This new policy overturns the previous practice of charging citizens for these vital documents.
Originally, ID cards were introduced in Kenya in 1979 for national security and citizen identification purposes, initially provided free of charge.
However, fees were later implemented, creating barriers, especially for marginalized communities.
The President’s declaration suggests a return to free ID issuance for first-time applicants, aiming to resolve issues of exclusion and guarantee access to essential government services for all Kenyans.
