Govt Waives ID Card Replacement Fees for Six Months
The government has announced that Kenyans will no longer pay fees to replace or update their national ID cards for the next six months.
The move aims to make identification services easier and more affordable for everyone.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen made the announcement through a special notice released on Friday, confirming that the waiver takes effect immediately.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen made the announcement through a special notice released on Friday, confirming that the waiver takes effect immediately.
This means anyone who has lost their ID or needs to correct personal details can do so without paying the usual charges.
Speaking during the announcement, Murkomen said the decision followed President William Ruto’s directive to simplify the process of getting identification documents.
Speaking during the announcement, Murkomen said the decision followed President William Ruto’s directive to simplify the process of getting identification documents.
According to the CS, many Kenyans have struggled to access ID services due to financial and bureaucratic barriers.
“This initiative will help millions of citizens who need to replace their ID cards or make changes. It’s part of the government’s plan to ensure every Kenyan can access identification services without unnecessary costs,” Murkomen said.
The Ministry of Interior explained that this waiver complements other recent reforms. These include free issuance of IDs to first-time applicants, removal of extra vetting in border regions, and scrapping of authentication fees for birth certificates used in ID or passport applications.
Murkomen encouraged Kenyans to take advantage of this opportunity before the waiver period ends, reminding citizens that regular charges will resume after six months.
However, the announcement comes after confusion earlier in the week. Huduma Kenya had dismissed reports about the suspension of ID replacement fees, creating mixed reactions among citizens. The clarification by the Interior Ministry now confirms that the waiver is officially in place.
President Ruto had earlier explained that the ID replacement fees were initially introduced to discourage misuse of free government services.
“This initiative will help millions of citizens who need to replace their ID cards or make changes. It’s part of the government’s plan to ensure every Kenyan can access identification services without unnecessary costs,” Murkomen said.
The Ministry of Interior explained that this waiver complements other recent reforms. These include free issuance of IDs to first-time applicants, removal of extra vetting in border regions, and scrapping of authentication fees for birth certificates used in ID or passport applications.
Murkomen encouraged Kenyans to take advantage of this opportunity before the waiver period ends, reminding citizens that regular charges will resume after six months.
However, the announcement comes after confusion earlier in the week. Huduma Kenya had dismissed reports about the suspension of ID replacement fees, creating mixed reactions among citizens. The clarification by the Interior Ministry now confirms that the waiver is officially in place.
President Ruto had earlier explained that the ID replacement fees were initially introduced to discourage misuse of free government services.
He added that the temporary waiver would remain active to ensure no Kenyan is denied a chance to register as a voter ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In previous years, Kenyans were required to pay up to Ksh1,000 to replace lost IDs. The new directive now offers financial relief and supports the government’s broader goal of making public services more accessible and citizen-friendly.
In previous years, Kenyans were required to pay up to Ksh1,000 to replace lost IDs. The new directive now offers financial relief and supports the government’s broader goal of making public services more accessible and citizen-friendly.
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