In a recent development, the Kenyan government has increased the fees for various services, including passport and ID applications, sparking widespread concern among citizens. The changes were announced by Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki through a special gazette notice dated November 7, 2023.
One of the most significant adjustments is the surge in the fee for a standard 34-page passport application, which has risen to Ksh.7,500 from the previous Ksh.4,500. Similarly, a 50-page ordinary passport will now cost Ksh.9,500, up from Ksh.6,000, while a 66-page ordinary passport application fee has increased by Ksh.5,000 to Ksh.12,500
The fee for a 50-page diplomatic passport has doubled to Ksh.15,000 from Ksh.7,500. However, the price for a 32-page service passport remains unchanged at Ksh.3,000. Replacing a lost passport will now cost Ksh.20,000, an increase of Ksh.8,000, while replacing a valid mutilated passport will cost Ksh.20,000, up from Ksh.10,000.
In response to the changes, some Kenyans took to the internet to express their sentiments. One online commentator humorously remarked, “Itabidi sasa ID ikae na mzazi nyumbani kama hizo documents zingine,” highlighting the perceived financial strain on citizens.
Apart from passport fees, the government has also adjusted charges for ID-related services. First-time ID applicants will now pay Ksh.1,000, a significant departure from the previous practice of issuing IDs at no cost. Additionally, the replacement fee for lost IDs has surged to Ksh.1,000 from Ksh.100.
The government has rationalized these increases by citing the need for additional financial resources to support the administration and issuance of national identity cards. However, these changes have triggered debates online, with citizens questioning the timing and the potential impact on vulnerable populations.
The adjustments extend beyond passport and ID services, with fees for work permits, birth and death certificates, and other documents also experiencing notable increases. As Kenyans adapt to these policy shifts, discussions continue online, reflecting the broader public sentiment about the balance between administrative needs and the financial burden placed on citizens.
