Huduma Kenya has reiterated that the Presidential Directive on the free issuance of duplicate National ID cards is still in force.
In a statement on October 29, the agency clarified that it has not issued any communication contradicting the directive, following growing public concern over delays and conflicting information at some service centers.
“Huduma Kenya wishes to reassure members of the public that the Presidential Directive on the free issuance of duplicate National ID cards remains in effect,” the statement read in part.
The agency further noted that the implementation process is ongoing, citing necessary administrative and system adjustments to ensure efficient and seamless service delivery.
Huduma Kenya urged citizens to remain patient as the rollout continues, noting its commitment to upholding the directive and improving access to essential government services across the country.
Huduma Kenya Reaffirms Free Issuance of Duplicate ID Cards
This comes after several Kenyans reported that, despite President Ruto’s directive for the issuance of national ID cards to be free, they were still required to pay a fee of KSh1,050.
Earlier, Huduma Kenya, in a reply to Kenyans, clarified that the directive has not yet been implemented.
According to the agency, it is still waiting for an official gazette notice from the relevant government authorities before the free replacement program can take effect.
“At the moment, ID replacement fees remain in place as we await formal communication through a gazette notice,” Huduma Kenya stated.
“Once confirmed, we will issue updates on any fee or policy changes via our official social media platforms.”
Also Read: Govt Given 7-Day Ultimatum Over ID Cards Delay After Uproar
Ruto Directives On Issuance of IDs
Earlier this month, President William Ruto announced that he has waived fees for ID replacement.
The President noted that the replacement fee was initially introduced to curb misuse of the service by individuals who frequently lost their IDs after receiving them for free.
However, he said the government has suspended the charges temporarily to facilitate easier access to voter registration ahead of the elections.
He said the free replacement window will remain in effect until after the elections.
“We will make sure no one is denied the opportunity to register as a voter because of a lack of an identification card,” he said.
Also Read: Govt Intervenes After Uproar Over National ID Cards Delay
ID Fees
In January 2024, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki gazetted revised identification fees, lowering the proposed cost of a new ID card from Ksh1,000 to Ksh300 after widespread public outcry.
“The revised charges, fees, and levies were adjusted based on public feedback received after the initial gazette notice,” Kindiki said at the time.
He further explained that the government would cater for the cost of ID issuance for citizens unable to afford it, ensuring that vulnerable Kenyans are not left behind.
“The revised fees were intended to help Kenya achieve financial self-reliance and reduce the country’s dependence on unsustainable debt, which threatens our sovereignty and the dignity of future generations,” he added.
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