Outrage in Kenya as goverment introduces new charge for national ID cards, others

The newly imposed charge for nation identity cards has provoked anger in Kenya as the country grapples with economic and security challenges.

Kenyans get the national ID cards for free prior to the introduction of the new fee. To get a new card, applicants now face a charge of 1,000 Kenyan shillings ($6; £5).

The new fees, which come amid a soaring cost-of-living issue, have sparked significant outrage among Kenyans, particularly on social media.

Other government-issued documents including traveling passports, marriage certificates, work and residence permits, and birth and death certificates, are also affected by the revised rates, according to the BBC.

The cost of replacing lost or damaged national ID cards has also increased to 2,000 shillings.

Marriage certificates will now cost 100,000 shillings, more than triple the previous amount, while the cost of civil weddings also jumped 10-fold to 50,000 shillings.

President William Ruto’s administration has been pushing for various means of generating more money for the government hence the need for the introduction of these fees.

Many Kenyans have expressed dissatisfaction with the increased cost of government services that they believe are already covered by their taxes.

Ruto is expected to deliver the State of the Nation address in Parliament, as mandated by Article 132 of the Constitution, later on Thursday.

The address is a much-anticipated event to update the nation on the current government’s achievements, challenges, and future plans.