President William Ruto has announced that national IDs for Kenyans will now be issued for free, reversing previous fees of Ksh300 for new applications and Ksh1,000 for renewals. The directive aims to eliminate discrimination during the application process. This policy follows a request from Kibra MP Mwalimu Peter Orero for reforms benefiting the Nubian community, although it may provoke mixed reactions from the public and political figures.
President William Ruto has officially declared that national identification documents (IDs) will now be issued to Kenyans free of charge. This decision reverses the previous requirement of Ksh300 for new applications and Ksh1,000 for renewals. Ruto made this announcement during his working tour of Nairobi County at Ayany in Kibra, asserting that all government registration agencies are to adhere to this new directive.
Additionally, the President emphasized that no individual should endure discriminatory questioning based on their background when applying for these essential documents. He stated, “I have said that matters of ID be issued without any discrimination. Every citizen should be given an ID card without discrimination.”
The announcement follows a plea from Kibra Member of Parliament Mwalimu Peter Orero, who highlighted the difficulties faced by members of the Nubian community in obtaining IDs due to stringent application requirements. The MP urged the President to address this issue and make necessary amendments to the ID issuance process.
Despite the significant change, the directive may generate mixed responses from both the public and political leaders who have previously criticized Ruto’s spontaneous policy announcements. Concerns regarding ID card fees have been longstanding among Kenyans, with critics arguing that the charges have historically disenfranchised unemployed youth.
In May 2024, the then Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki implemented revised charges for ID applications that were met with considerable opposition by the populace. The recent directive represents a significant shift in the government’s approach to this crucial aspect of national identification for its citizens.
In conclusion, President William Ruto’s new directive to issue national IDs for free marks a significant step toward making identification accessible to all Kenyans. This policy directly addresses historical grievances regarding discriminatory application processes and financial barriers. As reactions unfold, the effectiveness of this initiative in eliminating obstacles and empowering citizens, particularly marginalized communities, will remain a critical focus moving forward.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
