Kenya’s government has stirred public discontent by introducing fees for national identity cards, marking a departure from the previous free issuance for citizens turning 18.
New applicants are now required to pay 1,000 Kenyan shillings ($6; £5), while replacing ID cards incurs a 20-fold increase at 2,000 shillings.
These adjustments, amid a growing cost-of-living crisis, have sparked widespread outrage, particularly on social media.
The fee changes extend to various government-issued documents, including passports, marriage certificates, work permits, and birth and death certificates.
The increased costs have triggered concerns about limiting access to government services for poorer Kenyans, potentially impacting activities like voting and marriage.
President William Ruto’s administration, in power since last year, has implemented these fee hikes as part of revenue-generating measures.
Many citizens argue against additional charges, contending that taxes should already cover these services.
The abrupt and significant increases have raised worries about their potential impact on citizens living below the poverty line, currently estimated at 27% of the population, according to the World Bank.
Some officials have disputed the hikes, and errors in permanent residence fees for children born abroad to Kenyan citizens will reportedly be rectified.
President Ruto, who took office in September last year, has previously increased taxes on essentials like fuel and charges for government services, contributing to a rise in transport, electricity, and commodity prices.
Opposition to the cost of living prompted protests earlier this year, with President Ruto expected to address these concerns in his upcoming state of the nation address.
Source-BBC
