Kenya Kwanza Government Sparks Public Outcry with Steep Increases in Essential Document Fees
Prime pulse press
By Seliphar Machoni
The Kenya Kwanza government faces mounting criticism as citizens express distress over increased taxes and levies on essential documents.
Recent changes, authorized by Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kiture Kindiki, include the end of free national ID issuance, with new registrants required to pay Sh1,000. Replacement fees for IDs have surged to Sh2,000, a twenty fold increase.
Passport costs have also seen significant hikes, with 34-page booklets now at Sh7,500, 50-page at Sh9,500, and 66-page at Sh12,500. Diplomatic passports with 50 pages have doubled to Sh15,000. Replacing lost or mutilated passports incurs fees of Sh20,000 and Sh10,000, respectively.
Birth and death certificates now demand higher fees, with birth certificates at Sh200 (previously Sh50) and death certificates at Sh200 (previously Sh50). Late registration of birth or death costs Sh500, up from Sh150. Re-registration of birth is now Sh1,000, and amendments to certificates cost Sh1,000, up from Sh130.
Marriage certificates have seen a significant surge from Sh30,000 to Sh100,000. The financial burden extends to visa, citizenship, and work permit applications. These changes follow a recent fuel price increase, further straining citizens.
Social media reflects widespread discontent, with citizens expressing concerns about the affordability of basic needs amid escalating fees.
"Some of us can't even afford basic meals everyday leave alone having kshs 1000 for the IDs." One said
Calls for opposition leader Raila Odinga to address the issue and potential demonstrations have emerged.
Some criticize the government's expectations, highlighting challenges faced by citizens, such as affording a Ksh1,000 fee for an identification card.
"Where the president expects a form four graduate to get Kshs 1000 to pay for the identification card." Another one said
Humor is not lost on some, as they jest about avoiding marriage due to increased certificate levies.
"So the Kenya Kwanza government wants us not to marry or get married, adding levies to marriage certificates was not necessary at all."
Amid the grievances, one individual humorously contemplates obtaining a death certificate early, anticipating a hefty fee of Ksh 1M upon demise.
