President Ruto Announces Free National ID Cards for Kenyans
Nairobi, Kenya – President William Ruto has announced that Kenyans will now receive national identification cards (IDs) for free. This new directive cancels the previous government policy that required citizens to pay Ksh300 for new ID applications and Ksh1,000 for renewals.
The president made this announcement on Thursday at Ayany in Kibra during the last day of his four-day working tour of Nairobi County. He instructed all government registration agencies to comply with the new rule.
No Discrimination in ID Issuance
Ruto also emphasized that no Kenyan should face discrimination when applying for an ID card. He assured that every citizen has the right to receive the document without unnecessary questioning based on their background.
“I have said that IDs must be issued without any form of discrimination. Every Kenyan should get an ID without bias,” Ruto stated.
Response to Kibra MP’s Request
The decision came after Kibra Member of Parliament, Mwalimu Peter Orero, urged the president to address challenges faced by the Nubian community in obtaining ID cards. Many members of the community have struggled to get the document due to strict requirements.
The MP also requested Ruto to officially publish the new directive, similar to a past order that eased ID applications in North Eastern Kenya.
Mixed Reactions Expected
This decision is likely to spark debate among Kenyans and political leaders. Some have criticized Ruto’s tendency to make major policy decisions without thorough consultations. In the past, politicians like Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party of Kenya, have opposed ID charges, arguing they could prevent unemployed youth from voting in the 2027 elections.
Previously, in May 2024, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki had set the ID application fees at Ksh300 and Ksh1,000 for new applications and renewals, respectively. Ruto’s latest move reverses this policy, bringing relief to many Kenyans.
What’s Next?
As the directive takes effect, Kenyans will be keen to see how smoothly the implementation process unfolds. Many hope this decision will simplify access to IDs and ensure every citizen gets their rightful documentation without hurdles.
President Ruto Announces Free National ID Cards for Kenyans
