Murkomen Announces Directive On Passport Fees As Govt Removes ID Charges
Murkomen announced the directive while also confirming the removal of charges that were in place for Kenyans applying for Identification Cards (IDs).
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Kenyans applying for passports need not pay verification fees, according to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
Murkomen on Wednesday, March 19 announced the directive while also confirming the removal of charges that were in place for Kenyans applying for Identification Cards (IDs). This follows the official gazettement of a notice which implemented President William Ruto's directive which scrapped the charges.
"I would want to announce that there will be no amounts that will be paid on the application process of IDs. It will be free," Murkomen announced.
Adding "Even for those looking for passports if you go anywhere and you are required to pay Ksh500 for passports, do not pay. I want to announce that we have done away with that money."
A photo of processed passports as taken on April 22, 2024. /KITHURE KINDIKI
Murkomen further announced that the government will fully handle the verification process, ensuring that Kenyans will not have to incur any costs.
"In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 16 of the Registration of Persons Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration makes the following rules— The Sixth Schedule to the Registration of Persons Rules is amended by deleting the expression ‘KSh300’ appearing as fees for the item ‘Not Previously Registered (NPR)’ and substituting, therefore, the expression ‘Nil,’” read part of the gazette notice by Murkomen, confirming the removal of ID verification fees.
Additionally, he announced that the government is finalizing the rollout of virtual IDs, which will replace the current physical identification cards.
With the new system, Kenyans will have a digital wallet, eliminating the need to carry a physical ID.
Murkomen emphasized that this initiative aims to enhance security measures, particularly in combating online fraud, which has remained a significant challenge.
"We are in the process of introducing virtual IDs, and it will no longer be necessary to carry a physical ID. Once you have the virtual card, you will be able to present it digitally, even when requested by the police," Murkomen explained.
He also highlighted that the digital wallet will enable citizens to monitor their purchases and transactions, improving security and fostering financial transparency.
As part of this initiative, the government plans to enrol 70,000 Kenyans through the National Mobile Registration Outreach Programme, which was launched in Nakuru by the CS.
President Ruto close to a week ago, while addressing the public at Ayany in Kibra during the final day of his four-day working tour of Nairobi County, directed all government registration agencies to adhere to the new policy.
The cost of obtaining ID cards has long been a contentious issue, with Kenyans voicing concerns over government-imposed fees for applications and renewals.
Political figures, including People's Liberation Party of Kenya leader Martha Karua, have condemned the charges, arguing that they were a deliberate attempt to prevent unemployed youth from voting in the 2027 elections.
In May 2024, then-Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki formalized the revised fees, requiring Kenyans to pay Ksh 300 for new applications and Ksh 1,000 for renewals.
