- The Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen declared on Wednesday that Kenyan citizens can obtain their ID cards without paying any fees.
- The CS revised Gazette Notice No. 15495/2023, changing the fees from KSh 300 to zero and eliminating vetting charges.
- Following Murkomen's announcement declaring the new fees as 'historic', Kenyans on social media dismissed him noting the process was free
Japhet Ruto, who works as a journalist for Pawonation.com.co.ke, boasts more than eight years of expertise in reporting on finance, business, and technology. He provides comprehensive insights into economic patterns within Kenya and across wider regions.
Kipchumba Murkomen, who serves as the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, has eliminated the charges for identity cards and vetting processes for Kenyans applying for these documents for the first time.
What are the updated fees for applying for an ID?
On Wednesday, March 19, in an official gazette notification, the Cabinet Secretary announced that Kenyan citizens aged 18 and above can get their ID cards processed without any charges at Huduma Centers as well as various governmental facilities across the country.
Murkomen revised Gazette Notice No. 15495/2023, changing the fees from KSh 300 to zero.
Meanwhile, the ex-senator eliminated the vetting charges that had been established at KSh 500.
On this significant day, Kenyans aged 18 and above can now obtain national ID cards at no cost. This marks an important milestone. Today, I officially launched the National Mobile Registration Outreach Program in Nakuru County following President William Ruto’s announcement.
I updated the fee of KSh 300 for first-time applicants through a gazette notice that amends Gazette Notice No. 15495/2023. This move ensures equitable access to this essential service for all Kenyans. Additionally, we have removed the KSh 500 document verification fee to streamline the issuance of identity cards,” said Murkomen.
What was the reaction of Kenyans to Murkomen's statement?
After Murkomen announced the new charges as 'historical,' Kenyans on social media expressed their lack of surprise.
They argued that the Kenya Kwanza Alliance government hiked the fees before scrapping it to take plaudits.
Pawonation.com.co.ke sampled some comments:
Dominic Waziri:
The IDs were previously complimentary... Who then introduced the KSh 300 fee?
@m_r_kelvin:
"Why create a problem and then try to show that you’re the saviour?"
@ericlepon:
Murkomen, you all view us as idiots.
Raymond Mwabini:
Manipulative governance tactics; generate an issue only to miraculously resolve it for higher ratings or as a distraction. Disheartening.
Elon Mursik:
You're the ones who initially imposed the charges. Then why do you see them as mistakes now?
@OpinionKOT:
"Create a problem, solve the problem, declare yourself a hero."
Kevin Oigara:
"The KK government: Make a problem and then solve it to get an appraisal from the public. Pure shenanigans."
At what point did Ruto declare free IDs?
On March 13, Ruto commanded that identity cards should be provided for free.
His decision was driven by public outrage regarding the ID fee controversy, leading him to issue the directive following the pressure exerted by Kenyans during his visit to Kibra.
A few weeks earlier, the country's leader removed the 60-year-old validation rule for those applying from North East.
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