President William Ruto has declared that Kenyans will receive national identification documents at no cost, reversing previous fees. He emphasized the importance of non-discriminatory practices during the ID application process, following a request from Kibra MP Mwalimu Peter Orero addressing the Nubian community’s challenges. The announcement, while significant, may elicit mixed reactions from the public and leaders concerning past policies.
President William Ruto has made a significant announcement regarding the issuance of national identification documents (IDs) in Kenya. He declared that Kenyans will now receive these IDs at no cost, marking a change from the previous government requirement for fees of Ksh300 for new applications and Ksh1,000 for renewals. This decision was made during his visit to Ayany in Kibra as part of his four-day working tour of Nairobi County.
In addition to eliminating fees, President Ruto emphasized that the issuance process should be free of any discriminatory practices based on individuals’ backgrounds. He stated, “I have said that matters of ID be issued without any discrimination. Every citizen should be given an ID card without discrimination.”
This directive was prompted by a request from Kibra Member of Parliament Mwalimu Peter Orero, who raised concerns about members of the Nubian community who had been unable to obtain IDs due to stringent application requirements. The President acknowledged this request and pledged to facilitate the issuance of IDs without discrimination.
The announcement is anticipated to generate diverse reactions among the public and political leaders, particularly due to previous criticisms related to Ruto’s policies. Concerns about ID card fees have been prevalent, with politicians like Martha Karua questioning the government’s initial charges and their implications for youth participation in the upcoming 2027 elections.
In a previous directive from May 2024, the then Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, had established the charges requiring payment for ID applications and renewals, leading to public outcry over accessibility and fairness in the process.
In summary, President Ruto’s recent declaration abolishing fees for national ID cards represents a noteworthy shift in government policy aimed at improving accessibility for all Kenyans. His pledge to prevent discrimination during ID applications seeks to address historical injustices affecting vulnerable communities. However, the announcement is likely to attract varied public reactions, reflecting ongoing debates about government practices and the inclusivity of electoral participation.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
