President Ruto Declares Free National IDs, Eliminating Fee Barriers

Nairobi, March 13, 2025 – President William Ruto has announced that Kenyans will now receive national identification cards free of charge, reversing a previous directive that imposed fees on new applications and renewals.

Speaking in Kibra during the final day of his four-day working tour in Nairobi County, Ruto directed all government registration agencies to implement the policy immediately. He emphasized that no Kenyan should face discrimination when applying for the crucial document.

“I have said that IDs should be issued without any form of discrimination. Every citizen has the right to an ID card without unnecessary questioning,” Ruto declared.

The directive follows an appeal from Kibra MP Mwalimu Peter Orero, who raised concerns over the plight of thousands of Nubian community members struggling to obtain IDs due to stringent requirements. Orero urged the president to gazette the directive, similar to a previous order in North Eastern Kenya.

Previously, Kenyans were required to pay Ksh300 for new ID applications and Ksh1,000 for renewals, as per a directive issued in May 2024 by then-Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki. The policy had sparked criticism from politicians and civil society groups, who argued it could disenfranchise unemployed youth ahead of the 2027 elections.

While the president’s decision has been welcomed by many, it is expected to elicit mixed reactions, with some leaders cautioning against what they term “roadside policy declarations.”

The implementation of this directive will be closely monitored, with many awaiting an official gazette notice to formalize the changes.