Government Cites Printing Error in Ksh1.2 Million Citizenship Fee Hike
Wednesday, the government acknowledged, via the State Department of Diaspora Affairs, that the increases in citizenship fees were unintentional.
Permanent Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu stated that a November 7 Gazette Notice was partially inaccurate.
The Interior Ministry announced in the Gazette that the permanent residence fee and issuance fee for offspring of Kenyan citizens born outside Kenya had been increased to Ksh1 million and Ksh200,000, respectively.
“As per the Constitution, a child whose mother or father is a Kenyan Citizen is a citizen by birth. They do not need to apply for permanent residency,” Njogu stated.
Njogu declared that the individuals were exempt from the Ksh1.2 million charge requirement and could obtain their citizenship documents by contacting the Kenyan Embassy in their vicinity.
She further stated that her discussions with PS Julius Bitok of Immigration and Citizen Services had unveiled an error in the entry of permanent residence fees for offspring of Kenyan citizens.
“This fee applies to children of foreigners seeking permanent residence. Measures to rectify the Gazette notice have already been taken,” she added.
It was leaders and members of the public who expressed disapproval of the fee increase, deeming it unjustified.
Didmus Barasa, a member of parliament for Kimilili, censured executive officials, stating that they were disconnected from the public.
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Barasa, who was elected on the platform of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the governing party, remarked that the government was acting dishonestly.
“These characters seem power drunk, eating taxes with a big spoon, wearing the most expensive designer shoes and vomiting remnants on Kenyans who walk bare feet,” the MP stated.
MP for Embakasi East Babu Owino implored President William Ruto not to repress Kenyans who cast their votes in his favor.
Although the government has reversed its decision regarding permanent residence fees, the price increases for national identification cards and passports have persisted.
The fee for replacing an ID has been raised from Ksh100 to Ksh2,000, with first-time applicants being required to pay Ksh1,000.
The cost of a standard 66-page passport has risen from Ksh7,500 to Ksh12,000, whereas a standard 34-page passport now costs Ksh7,500 as opposed to Ksh4,500.
Government Cites Printing Error in Ksh1.2 Million Citizenship Fee Hike
