Legislators have expressed concern over the high costs associated with acquiring national identity (ID) cards and birth certificates in the country.
The members of the Delegated Legislation Committee led by Chairperson Samuel Chepkong’a (Ainabkoi MP) challenged the national government to reduce costs of acquiring the documents.
The lawmakers said there was no proper justification for increasing the fees for applying for the crucial documents.
They urged Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary (PS) Prof. Julius Bitok to reconsider reducing the fees.
While reviewing proposed regulations, the MPs emphasized the need for more accessible pricing to encourage Kenyans to apply for them.
“There is no proper justification for increasing the fees for applying for new identity cards or for replacing the document. The department should lower the fees to attract more Kenyans to apply,” said Chepkong’a.
Committee Vice chairperson Robert Gichimu (Gichugu MP) noted that the charges will discourage many Kenyans from applying for the documents.
PS Bitok, while responding to the concerns of the lawmakers, defended the move stating that it was necessary due to inflation.
The regulations under review included the Registration of Persons (Amendment) Rules, 2024 and the Births and Deaths Registration (Amendment) Rules, 2024.
Among the proposed changes is a new charge of Ksh300 for applying for a new ID card, a process that was previously free of charge.
Those who lose their ID cards or wish to update their personal details must now part with Ksh1,000, up from Ksh100.
By Obegi Malack | obegimalack@gmail.com
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