In a new turn of events, the Public Service Ministry has refuted claims of suspending the Ksh1,000 Identity Card (ID) replacement fee, contradicting President William Ruto's directive.
Ruto had initially announced the government's decision to suspend the ID replacement fees to ensure no Kenyan is left out in the ongoing voter registration.
Speaking on October 28, the Head of State explained that the replacement fees were initially introduced to discourage Kenyans from abusing free government services.
However, it now turns out that the government has yet to formally suspend the replacement fees as per the Head of State's directive.
Ruto had noted that the free replacement window would be open until after the 2027 general elections. "We will ensure no one is denied the opportunity to register as a voter because they lack an identification card," Ruto said.
Adding, "Previously, we charged Ksh300 for a new ID card, but currently there are no charges, and likewise, the replacement was Ksh1,000, but we have decided to suspend the amount."
While insisting on the suspension of the Ksh1,000 ID replacement fees, Ruto urged Kenyans who have yet to pick up their identifiers to do so before the next elections.
However, in a statement on Wednesday, October 29, Huduma Kenya dismissed reports of free ID replacement services, maintaining that such a programme was yet to be rolled out.
The agency explained that it was awaiting communication through an official gazette notice from the relevant authorities before commencing the programme.
"Hello, at this time, the ID replacement fees have not been waived. We are awaiting official confirmation through a gazette notice," Huduma Kenya announced.
It further added, "Once published, we will share any updates regarding fees or policy changes on our official social media channels."
The clarification by Huduma Kenya followed concerns from a section of Kenyans who demanded to know why the agency continued to impose charges on ID replacement despite Ruto's promise.
