Following an uproar by Kenyans, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has announced revised charges for various government services.
Gov't bows to pressure, revises fees for different services including ID application
The new changes will not take effect immediately as they will be subject to public participation
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki meeting immigration officials at Nyayo House on September 8, 2023
Recommended articles
In a Gazette notice issued on Tuesday, November 14, the replacement fee for IDs has been reduced to Sh1,000 from the earlier said Sh2000.
Under the new charges, individuals applying for the first time will part ways with Sh300. Previously, the proposal suggested a Sh1,000 fee for first-time ID applications.
For passport fees, nothing has been changed as the cost for an ordinary 34-page passport stands at Sh7,500, while the 50-page variant is priced at Sh9,500.
ADVERTISEMENT
The 66-page travel document can be obtained for Sh12,500. On the other hand, replacing lost passports will now cost Sh20,000, representing an increase from the current fee.
A man holding a Kenyan passport
A man holding a Kenyan passport
Pulse Live Kenya
For individuals seeking expedited services, an express passport will incur a charge of Sh30,000.
The decision to revise these charges is driven by the government's commitment to achieving financial self-reliance and reducing reliance on unsustainable debt, which poses risks to the nation's sovereignty and the welfare of future generations.
The adjustments also consider public input received after the initial publication of the revoked Gazette Notices.
ADVERTISEMENT
To ensure transparency and public involvement, the CS has instructed the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services to conduct and complete public participation for the new pricing structure by December 10, 2023.
Fees for other services have largely remained unchanged from the previous gazette notice.
The updated charges are scheduled to come into effect from January 1, 2024.
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki speaking to the media on November 6, 2023
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki speaking to the media on November 6, 2023
Pulse Live Kenya
ADVERTISEMENT
The previous adjustments had stirred discussions among Kenyan citizens, with some expressing concerns about the increased financial burden on essential services.
The government, however, defends the changes, citing the need for resources to enhance and maintain efficient service delivery in the immigration and passport issuance process.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: news@pulselive.co.ke
Recommended articles
3 judge bench rules that affordable housing levy is unconstitutional
High Court suspends implementation of Ruto's key health law
Hussein Mohamed: Why Cabinet hasn't declared El Nino a national disaster
Biden to skip UN Climate conference kickoff in Dubai, White House schedule confirms
Azimio MP's brother found dead
Ruto endorses National Dialogue Committee recommendations, reveals next steps
Martha Karua speaks as focus shifts to Ruto & Raila after NADCO report release
Key recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee submitted to Raila & Ruto
