President William Ruto has announced that national identification cards will be issued free of charge to all Kenyans, eliminating previous fees for applications and renewals. This directive aims to ensure equality and non-discrimination in the issuance process, reversing earlier increases in fees for ID services that sparked public criticism. The decision is inclined to enhance access to essential identification for every eligible citizen.
In a significant move, President William Ruto announced that all Kenyans will receive national identification cards (IDs) free of charge, eliminating the previously required fees for both new applications and renewals. This decision was made during his visit to Kibra on the final day of his Nairobi County tour, where he mandated that government registration agencies implement this directive fairly and without discrimination, ensuring every eligible citizen is accommodated.
President Ruto underscored the importance of equality in the issuance of these ID cards, stating, “Everyone should receive an ID card at no cost through a fair and non-discriminatory process for all Kenyans.” He reiterated that all citizens, irrespective of their background, are entitled to an ID without discrimination. This proclamation reverses the earlier stipulation which required citizens to pay Sh300 for a new ID and Sh1,000 for renewals.
In November 2023, the government had significantly increased the costs for replacing lost or damaged IDs, raising the fee from Sh100 to Sh1,000. While initial proposals included a charge of Sh1,000 for first-time applicants, they were later modified, retaining a charge of Sh300 for new applications. Moreover, the cost for replacing lost IDs was raised an alarming twenty-fold to Sh2,000.
The controversial gazette notice revealed that the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury had authorized the adjustment of these charges by the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services. The new fees faced backlash from various leaders and civil rights organizations, advocating that they impeded access to essential identification for marginalized groups.
National IDs were first introduced in Kenya in 1979 to enhance security and streamline citizen identification, initially provided free of charge. Over the years, however, charges were imposed, complicating access for numerous citizens. The President’s directive indicates a possible return to the original practice of free ID issuance, emphasizing inclusivity and the ability of all Kenyans to access crucial government services without financial burden.
Applications for national IDs can be made at the National Registration Bureau and Huduma Centres situated throughout the country, with eligibility restricted to individuals above the age of 18. During the application process, personal details are collected alongside biometric data, culminating in the issuance of a waiting card until the ID is ready for collection.
In summary, President William Ruto’s directive to eliminate fees associated with national ID cards represents a pivotal policy shift aimed at enhancing accessibility for all Kenyans. By ensuring a fair and non-discriminatory process for ID issuance, the government seeks to rectify the previous barriers that limited access to critical identification, particularly for marginalized communities. This return to free ID issuance may significantly facilitate access to government services for every eligible citizen.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
