Government Scraps ID Registration Fees in Landmark Policy Shift

For years, the simple act of proving one’s identity was a costly hurdle, disproportionately affecting students, low-income earners, and those in remote areas.

A young man in Kibra had to scrape together Ksh 300 just to apply for his first ID, delaying his job search.

A mother in Mandera, whose ID was lost in floods, had to sacrifice Ksh 1,000 – money meant for food – to replace it.

For those in border counties, the struggle was even greater, facing excessive scrutiny that made them feel like outsiders in their own country.

But that changes now.

This week marks the gazettement of a transformative policy that abolishes all fees for new ID registrations.

President William Ruto’s administration has made it clear: No Kenyan should have to choose between buying food and obtaining their rightful identification.

Beyond scrapping the Ksh300 and Ksh1,000 charges, the government is also dismantling excessive vetting requirements that unfairly targeted border communities.

A herder in Wajir or a trader in Busia can now walk into an office and claim their ID without unnecessary obstacles.

What’s the Significance of This?

An ID is not just a card – it is power.

It is the key to voting, accessing financial services, securing employment, and benefiting from government programs.

For too long, restrictive fees and biased regulations locked thousands out of these opportunities.

Now, with free and fair access to national IDs, the message is clear: Every Kenyan matters, whether rich or poor, urban or rural.

It’s a Promise of Inclusion, Not Just a Policy 

This initiative is not just about issuing IDs – it is about transforming lives. It signals a government that listens, acts, and prioritizes its people.

When Kenyans raised their voices for tax relief, the President adjusted the Finance Bill. When they called for national unity, he engaged leaders across political divides.

Now, with free ID registration, he is demonstrating his commitment to fairness, opportunity, and empowerment.

Moreover, the initiative paves the way for a digital future.

With more citizens having official identification, access to mobile banking, e-commerce, and e-government services will expand, driving financial inclusion and economic growth.

The Kenya Kwanza government’s One-Government Approach ensures seamless collaboration across ministries, safeguarding citizen data and improving national planning.

How will the Government Handle Integrity Issues? 

While every natural-born Kenyan is entitled to an ID, essential checks remain in place to protect national security:

Identity Verification – Kenya’s birth and school records help validate applications.

Guarantor System – Each applicant must have a registered Kenyan guarantor.

Advanced Biometric Technology – Fraudulent applications can be detected and cross-referenced.

Legal Consequences – Providing false information remains a crime, with illegally obtained IDs subject to revocation and legal action.

Fairness for Border Communities – Natural-born Kenyans in border areas will no longer face unfair targeting.

Stronger Government Collaboration – The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Immigration are enhancing information-sharing to maintain an accurate and secure national registry.

By capturing real and accurate citizen data, the government can better plan for housing, schools, healthcare, and judicial services – because in this Kenya, no one is left behind