Ruto’s Government Increases Cost Of New Passports, Birth & Death Certificates
The Kenyan government has announced a significant increase in passport fees, with the cost of an ordinary passport now ranging from Sh7,500 to Sh12,000, depending on the number of pages. This represents a substantial hike from the previous fees, which were as low as Sh4,500.
In addition to passport fees, the government has also increased the cost of birth and death certificates. A birth certificate now costs Sh200, up from Sh50, while a death certificate costs Sh200, up from Sh50. Late registration of birth and death certificates has also seen a significant increase, with the cost now standing at Sh500, up from Sh150.
The government has justified these increases by citing the need to improve the quality of services provided by the Immigration Department and to cover the rising costs of administration. However, the increases are likely to be met with criticism from some Kenyans, who may view them as an unnecessary burden.
Here is a table summarizing the new fees:
| Service | Previous Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary passport (34 pages) | Sh4,500 | Sh7,500 |
| Ordinary passport (50 pages) | Sh6,000 | Sh9,500 |
| Ordinary passport (66 pages) | Sh7,500 | Sh12,000 |
| Diplomatic passport (50 pages) | Sh7,500 | Sh15,000 |
| Replacement of lost passport | Sh12,000 | Sh20,000 |
| Replacement of valid mutilated passport | Sh10,000 | Sh20,000 |
| Birth certificate | Sh50 | Sh200 |
| Death certificate | Sh50 | Sh200 |
| Late registration of birth | Sh150 | Sh500 |
| Late registration of death certificate | Sh150 | Sh500 |
| Re-registration of birth | Sh90 | Sh1,000 |
| Amendments to birth and death certificates | Sh130 | Sh1,000 |
| Presumed death certificate | Sh150 | Sh1,500 |
