The government has announced new rules which will see Kenyans get identification cards for free as opposed to the pre-existing fee of Ksh300.
In a gazette notice dated March 19, 2025, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that no Kenyan would be required to pay for a new ID, as has been the norm.
“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.
Ruto’s promise
On March 13, 2025, President William Ruto announced the abolition of the ID application fee during his development tour in Kibra, Nairobi County.
“I would like to announce today while I am in Kibra that identity card issuance should be done without any form of payment,” Ruto said.
On March 13, 2025, Ruto announced the abolition of the ID application fee during his development tour in Kibra, Nairobi County.
“I would like to announce today while I am in Kibra that identity card issuance should be done without any form of payment,” Ruto said.
Vetting for IDs
This follows another promise by Ruto to revoke the mandatory vetting process for citizens in the border communities.
Speaking in Mandera County during a development tour on February 4, 2025, Ruto assured residents that his government would facilitate an easier process for obtaining the crucial document, bringing an end to what he termed as a discriminatory practice that has subjected many Kenyans to unfair treatment.
“The time of Northern Kenya being isolated is over. This region is a crucial part of Kenya and deserves to be treated as such. Kesho niko na ceremony kubwa ya kuondoa, once and for all, ile maneno ya vetting ambayo ilikuwa inawagandamiza watu wa Northern Kenya. Wamefanywa kuwa kama si Wakenya wakati wa kutafuta kitambulisho au passport,” Ruto declared.
Beyond scrapping the vetting process, the head of state emphasized his commitment to fostering national unity and ensuring equality for all Kenyans.
“It’s my responsibility to ensure Kenya is united and people are treated equally. I am committed to ensuring Kenyans are equal and treated with dignity. With the rest of Kenyans, I will proudly undertake this,” he affirmed.
Francis Muli
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