President William Ruto has declared that no Kenyan should be required to pay any fee to obtain an identity card, officially abolishing ID issuance charges in a landmark announcement made today, Thursday, March 13, 2025.
Speaking during his visit to the Ayany area of Kibra on the fourth day of his Nairobi tour, Ruto lavished the residents with grand promises about various projects he had earmarked for them.
At the time, he was discussing plans to install streetlights in the area when residents began chanting and demanding he speak on the long-standing issue of ID cards.
Responding to their calls, the Head of State took a firm stance, stating that IDs should never have been subject to any charges in the first place. He condemned the practice as discriminatory and declared that, with immediate effect, all Kenyans would receive their national identification cards free of charge.
“Huyu waziri amesema hii dunia yote amesema atawawekea street lighting ndiyo mkue na usalama ya kutosha hapa Kibra. Mimi nimesema maneno ya ubaguzi kwa maneno ya ID. Ati mnasema ID,” Ruto said.
“Tuitolee mbali. Kila mwananchi apatiwe ID, kitambulisho. Na mimi nataka nitangaze nikiwa hapa Kibra leo ya kwamba kitambulisho ipatianwe bila malipo yoyote.”
The president then emphasised that beyond eliminating fees, the issuance of ID cards should also be conducted in a systematic and fair manner to ensure that no Kenyan is left out.
“Na kwa mpango ambao haina ubaguzi kwa Mkenya. Mnasema tuendelee ama tusiendelee?” he asked, to which the crowd enthusiastically responded, “Kabisa!”
Nairobi tour
Ruto’s announcement was met with jubilation from the mammoth crowd that had gathered in Kibra to listen to him.
The visit formed part of his ongoing Nairobi tour, which is set to conclude tomorrow, Friday, March 14, 2025.
Unlike previous presidential tours, this one has been drawing massive attendance, with thousands turning up in different locations to witness the head of state deliver his speeches and promises.
The tour began on Monday, March 10, 2025, in Kamukunji and Eastleigh, where Ruto kicked off his engagements by making grand promises to residents.
He also used the opportunity to urge Kenyans to reject divisive politics and instead rally behind him and his newfound political ally, Raila Odinga.
On the second day, the tour moved to Mathare, where Ruto oversaw the launch of an 800-bed dormitory construction at St. Teresa’s Secondary School, among other development projects.
By the third day, the president had taken his tour to Dagoretti and Thiru, where he visited Mutuini Hospital in Dagoretti and announced a major facelift to expand its capacity and improve healthcare services in the area.
Throughout the tour, Ruto’s key themes have revolved around the need for national unity and an end to tribal politics.
Additionally, he has continuously reiterated his commitment to delivering various development projects now that he has joined forces with ODM leader Raila Odinga.
