The Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has invited Kenyans to issue their suggestions on new charges for applying and replacing Identity Cards (IDs).
In a notice on Monday, November 20, the PS directed members of the public to issue their views on the new charges that were published in the Gazette notice dated October 25 through writing.
Further, the notice directed those submitting the suggestions to do so, through a memoranda 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.
“Views and proposals can be submitted in writing through memoranda clearly marked – Public Participation on New Charges,” the notice read in part.
Also Read: Kindiki Bows to Pressure, Lowers ID Fees in New Notice
Bitok Explains How to Submit Suggestions
At the same time, the notice indicated that the suggestions ought to be dropped off at different immigration offices across the country.
Alternatively, PS Bitok directed that members of the public can submit the memoranda through the interior ministry email at [email protected] or submitted through the Deputy County Commissioners.
“Public Participation on New Charges” and dropped off at the following locations: Nyayo House, Ground Floor, Nairobi Regional Commissioners’ (RCS), County Commissioners’ (CCS),
“Or Deputy County Commissioners’ (DCCs) offices across the county or Emailed to [email protected],” added the notice.
Notably, the deadline for the submissions has been set to December 8, 2023, before 5:00 PM.
Also Read: Govt Makes Changes to Application of IDs, Birth & Death Certificates
Govt Issues Reason for Increased Charges
On the other hand, the interior ministry stated that the published changes in application charges would take effect on January 2024.
In addition, the ministry explained that the move 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.
Kindiki Changes Stance on ID Charges
Earlier on November 14, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki revoked the special gazette notice that had revised upwards fees for various citizen registration services.
Alternatively, the CS issued new fees and levies to be charged on various services should the recommendations sail through.
The new proposed revision reduced fees set for ID replacement from the previous Ksh2,000 to Ksh1,000.
