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Ruto Announces Free Issuance of IDs – Here’s How to Get One in Kenya
President William Ruto has announced that Kenyans will no longer be required to pay fees when applying for a national Identity Card (ID).
Speaking in Kibra on Thursday, March 13, Ruto emphasized that every Kenyan citizen has a right to an ID and should not be subjected to unnecessary charges or vetting processes.
“I have said that the bias in the issuance of IDs should be removed. All citizens should be given IDs. I also want to announce here in Kibra that IDs should be issued without any charges and any bias,” Ruto declared.
New Policy Overturns Previous ID Application Charges
This announcement comes after the government introduced new fees for ID processing in January 2024:
- First-time applicants were required to pay Ksh300.
- Replacement of lost IDs cost Ksh1,000.
It remains unclear whether Ruto’s directive will also apply to ID replacements, but further clarification is expected from the Ministry of Interior.
How to Get an ID in Kenya
Every Kenyan citizen aged 18 and above is required to have a National Identity Card as proof of citizenship. Here’s how to apply:
1. First-Time ID Application Process
- Visit the nearest National Registration Bureau (NRB) office – located in sub-county headquarters across Kenya.
- Bring the following documents:
- Original birth certificate and a copy.
- Copies of both parents’ IDs (or an affidavit if unavailable).
- A filled-out ID application form (Form 23).
- Provide biometric details (fingerprints and a digital photo).
- Receive a waiting card (slip) as proof of application.
- Wait for processing – the ID is typically ready within 4-8 weeks.
2. How to Replace a Lost, Damaged, or Defaced ID
- Report the loss at a police station and get an abstract.
- Visit an NRB office and fill out an ID replacement form.
- Provide a copy of your lost ID (if available).
- Await processing – replacements typically take a few weeks.
3. Checking Your ID Application Status
You can check the status of your ID application or replacement by:
- Visiting the NRB office where you applied.
- Using the SMS service by sending your ID tracking number to 2031.
What’s Next?
With President Ruto’s directive, it is expected that:
- The Ksh300 fee for first-time applicants will be scrapped.
- Vetting processes will be eased to ensure faster ID issuance.
- The government may clarify whether replacement fees will also be removed.
For now, Kenyans are advised to visit their nearest NRB office to apply for their IDs without any charges.
