Govt Implements Increased ID, Passport Charges

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has implemented the increased charges on government services including the issuance of Identity cards and passports.

According to a memo by the ministry, the revised fees as announced by the CS in November 2023, took effect beginning March 1. 

The memo was addressed to regional coordinators asking them to ensure compliance of the new levies. 

“As you are aware, on November 14, 2023, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration published in Kenya gazette an intention to review fees, charges and levies regarding services offered by the state department for immigration. 

“You may recall that the implementation of the said charges was January 1. However, the charges were to be subjected to public participation and therefore the state department conducted the public participation sessions,” the memo read in part.

Also Read: Kindiki Makes Changes on ID, Passport & Marriage Application Charges

Revised Charges for ID and Passports

Under the implemented directive, Kenyans applying for a replacement of their ID will pay Ksh1,000 up from Ksh100. On the other hand, those applying for an ID for the first time will pay Ksh300, a service that was previously free of charge. 

At the same time, Kenyans will have to part with Ksh200 for a birth or death certificate, up from Ksh50, while for late birth or death registration, applicants will be required to pay Ksh500 up from Ksh150. 

Additionally, the ministry increased the charges for passports by 75 percent. For the ordinary 34 paged passport, applicants will be charged Ksh7,500 up from Ksh4,500. For the 50 paged passport, applicants will pay Ksh9,500 from ksh6,000.

Also, applicants will pay Ksh12,500 for the ordinary 66 paged passport, a fee increased from Ksh7,500. 

Charges for regaining citizenship after renouncing will be Ksh50,000 up from Ksh5,000, while the cost of renouncing citizenship has increased from Ksh20,000 to Ksh50,000. To gain citizenship by marriage, one will be required to pay Ksh50,000 up from Ksh5,000.

Charges for Single Entry Visas have also increased from $50 to $100 while the multiple entry visas now cost $500 up from $100.

Also Read: Govt Gives Way Forward on Passport and IDs Delays 

Kindiki Calls on Kenyans to Submit Opinion of the Charges

After the gazette notice detailing the increased charges, the ministry of interior invited Kenyans to issue their suggestions on new charges through writing.

Further, the notice directed those submitting the suggestions to do so, through a memorandum marked ‘Public Participation on New Charges’.

“The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services invites views and proposals from members of the public and other stakeholders on the intended revision for consideration.

However, the ministry explained that the move to increase the charges was informed by an increase in the cost of offering the stated services through the years.

“The Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration has published intended charges, fees and levies for various services provided by the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services vide Gazette Notice dated November 14, 2023.

“The intended revised charges, fees and levies that will take effect on January 1, 2024, are informed by the increase in the cost of the respective services over the years and the need to make the rendering of the services self-sustaining,’ Bitok stated,” a notice from the ministry read in part.