In a significant move, the Kenyan government recently announced that identification cards (IDs) will be issued for free, effectively scrapping the Ksh300 fee that was previously charged to first-time ID applicants.
The change was confirmed in a gazette notice dated March 19, 2025, by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
In the notice, Murkomen stated that no Kenyan citizen would be required to pay for a new ID, a policy change that will ease access to this essential document.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 16 of the Registration of Persons Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration makes the following Rules: The Sixth Schedule to the Registration of Persons Rules is amended by deleting the expression ‘Ksh300’ appearing as fees for the item ‘Not Previously Registered (NPR)’ and substituting therefor the expression ‘Nil’. These Rules may be cited as the Registration of Persons (Amendment) Rules, 2025,” Murkomen announced.
This landmark announcement follows a promise made by President William Ruto during his development tour in Kibra, Nairobi County, where he also pledged to revoke the mandatory ID vetting process for citizens living in border communities. This move is expected to streamline the ID registration process for people in border regions, making it more accessible to a larger portion of the population.
Why You Should Have an ID
An ID in Kenya is not just a formality; it serves a critical role in ensuring access to a range of essential services. Here are some of the key reasons why having an ID is important:
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Identity Verification: An ID serves as the primary means of establishing your identity in Kenya, enabling you to interact with institutions, government services, and businesses.
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Access to Government Services: IDs are a requirement for accessing various government services such as healthcare, education, security, foreign travel, employment, licensing, and taxation. Without an ID, it can be difficult to access many of these services, which are vital for daily life.
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Participation in Democratic and Legal Practices: In Kenya, voting is a constitutional right for all citizens aged 18 and above. An ID is necessary to exercise your right to vote in national elections, including presidential, gubernatorial, parliamentary, and county elections. Additionally, IDs are crucial for other legal processes, such as signing contracts or engaging with the legal system.
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Financial Transactions: To open a bank account, obtain a loan, or make large purchases, you will typically be required to provide a valid ID. It is also needed for setting up mobile money services, which are widely used across the country.
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Access to Private and Public Venues: Some venues, including bars, clubs, and other regulated establishments, require an ID for age verification to comply with legal age restrictions. This helps ensure that minors do not access restricted services.
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Eligibility for Government Welfare and Social Programs: Various social protection programs, including the cash transfer schemes for vulnerable populations, require a valid ID for registration and disbursement of funds.
With this move, the government aims to make it easier for all Kenyans to obtain an ID, which will, in turn, improve their access to services and opportunities. The elimination of the ID application fee is expected to particularly benefit marginalized groups, youth, and citizens in remote areas.
Read: Govt Fulfills Promise on Free IDs as New Rules Gazetted
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