Kenya's Immigration ministry requested 4.2 billion shillings from lawmakers to offset costs after President William Ruto eliminated fees for national identity cards. Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang told the National Assembly's Committee on Administration and Internal Security that funds would cover the production of six million cards this financial year. The government anticipates issuing three million new registrations and replacing three million existing ones.
Kipsang said that each card costs 700 shillings to produce, factoring in materials and processing expenses. The ministry plans to seek approval through supplementary budget discussions. Ruto abolished the 300 shilling first-time application fee and suspended the 1,000 shilling replacement charge until after the 2027 elections.
The principal secretary attributed the rising demand to the elimination of vetting requirements that previously blocked residents in border counties from obtaining documents. Areas such as Moyale, Baringo's Tiaty constituency, Taita Taveta, Homa Bay, and Kwale were most affected by the discriminatory screening process. Chiefs will identify eligible applicants under the revised system.
Kipsang said that each card costs 700 shillings to produce, factoring in materials and processing expenses. The ministry plans to seek approval through supplementary budget discussions. Ruto abolished the 300 shilling first-time application fee and suspended the 1,000 shilling replacement charge until after the 2027 elections.
The principal secretary attributed the rising demand to the elimination of vetting requirements that previously blocked residents in border counties from obtaining documents. Areas such as Moyale, Baringo's Tiaty constituency, Taita Taveta, Homa Bay, and Kwale were most affected by the discriminatory screening process. Chiefs will identify eligible applicants under the revised system.
