Confusion As Govt Counters Ruto's Statement On ID Replacement Fees
President Ruto had declared that the government would scrap the replacement fees to ensure all Kenyans could participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
In a twist of events, the Ministry of Public Service has denied claims that the Ksh1,050 fee for replacing national ID cards has been suspended — directly contradicting President William Ruto’s earlier announcement.
President Ruto had declared that the government would scrap the replacement fees to ensure all Kenyans could participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise.
Speaking on October 28, Ruto explained that the replacement charge was initially introduced to curb misuse of free government services.
President William Ruto speaking in Baringo County on October 28, 2025. /PCS
However, it has now emerged that no formal directive has been implemented to suspend the fees, despite his announcement.
The President had stated that the waiver would remain in effect until after the 2027 General Election, saying, “We will ensure no one is denied the opportunity to register as a voter because they lack an identification card.”
He added, “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.”
Ruto further urged Kenyans who have not collected their IDs to do so ahead of the next elections, reiterating his commitment to the suspension.
But in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 29, Huduma Kenya dismissed the reports of free ID replacements, clarifying that the programme had not yet begun.
“Hello, at this time, the ID replacement fees have not been waived. We are awaiting official confirmation through a gazette notice,” the agency announced.
Huduma Kenya added, “Once published, we will share any updates regarding fees or policy changes on our official social media channels.”
The clarification came after growing public confusion, with many Kenyans questioning why Huduma centres continued charging for ID replacements despite the President’s promise.
On September 16, Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen scrapped the authentication fee previously required when using a birth certificate to apply for national IDs or passports.
Speaking in Homa Bay County, he stated that the move aims to reduce unnecessary costs and facilitate easier access to identification, in line with the government’s plan to simplify registration.
"Effective today, the civil registration services will no longer charge any authentication fees for a birth certificate when applying for ID and passports. This step removes unnecessary financial barriers and aligns with our vision to simplify ID access," Murkomen declared.
To make IDs more accessible, the CS said the government was considering cutting the ID replacement fee, which currently stands at Ksh1,050.
