President William Ruto has announced the elimination of fees for national ID applications in Kenya, aiming for fair and equitable access for all citizens. This directive responds to concerns raised by marginalized groups and follows a call from Kibra MP Mwalimu Peter Orero. While the policy is expected to help many, its reception may vary among the public and political spheres.
President William Ruto has declared that Kenyans will now receive national identification documents (IDs) at no cost, departing from the prior government policy that required payments of Ksh300 for new applications and Ksh1,000 for renewals. This announcement was made on the final day of his four-day working tour in Nairobi County, particularly at Ayany in Kibra. Ruto mandated that all government registration agencies adhere to this new directive.
Additionally, President Ruto ordered that no Kenyan should face discriminatory questioning based on their background when applying for these essential documents. He emphasized, “I have said that matters of ID be issued without any discrimination. Every citizen should be given an ID card without discrimination.”
The directive was prompted by a request from Kibra Member of Parliament Mwalimu Peter Orero, who highlighted the struggles faced by members of the Nubian community in obtaining ID cards due to previous stringent requirements. Following this appeal, Ruto instructed that IDs are to be issued free of charge without discrimination, reinforcing that all applicants should be treated fairly.
The announcement is poised to generate varied public and political responses, particularly amid concerns regarding Ruto’s previous ‘roadside policy declarations.’ Kenyans have historically raised concerns about charges related to ID cards, and some politicians have criticized the government, suggesting that the fees hinder thousands of unemployed youths from participating in the forthcoming 2027 elections. In May 2024, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, had set new charges mandating payments for ID applications and renewals.
President Ruto’s new directive eliminates fees for national ID applications, aiming to ensure equitable access for all Kenyans. This policy shift addresses previous concerns about accessibility, particularly for marginalized communities. While some may welcome this change, the reactions from the public and politicians remain uncertain, especially in light of past criticisms regarding similar policy announcements. This initiative may significantly impact voter registration ahead of the 2027 elections, as it seeks to remove barriers for the youth.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
