Ruto's U-Turn: No Fee for Lost ID Replacement Until 2027

President William Ruto has announced a complete waiver of all fees related to replacing lost National Identification (ID) cards.

This sudden policy shift means the service will be free until after the 2027 General Elections.

The President confirmed the waiver on Saturday while attending the centenary celebration of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Church in Nyang’ori, Vihiga County.

The move follows requests and appeals made by local leaders and residents in attendance.

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A Centenary Announcement

The celebration of 100 years of the PAG Church provided the platform for the significant announcement. The President’s directive is explicitly aimed at removing financial hurdles for citizens seeking to secure their identification documents.

The waiver covers the renewal and replacement of identity cards. Crucially, the goal is to facilitate voter registration across the country.

Why the Policy Shift?

The decision marks a U-turn on the standard government fees usually associated with replacing lost documents.

Previously, the cost for a replacement ID was KSh. 100, which was significantly increased to Ksh. 2,000 in November 2023 before being further reviewed to Ksh 1,000.

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President Ruto stressed that no Kenyan should be hindered from participating in the democratic process due to documentation issues.

"For now, maybe until the election, we will do that ID thing even if it's a replacement to be free. Yes. Let's make sure that everyone gets a chance to get an identification card, and let's make sure that everyone is treated the way they should be."

He also stated, concerning the purpose of the waiver:

"And we will make sure that no one is denied the opportunity to register as a voter because of identification issues."

Context of the Vihiga Event

During his address in Vihiga, the President touched on several other important governmental and economic matters.

He defended the government’s efforts regarding privatization, commending Parliament for approving the privatization bill.

The President highlighted plans to establish two crucial national funds. These include an infrastructure fund and a sovereign wealth fund. He explained that responsible stewardship demands planning for the future.

"We must think about tomorrow," the President stated, drawing a parallel to biblical teachings on leaving an inheritance. He confirmed the ongoing drive to implement these long-term economic strategies.

Wider Political Context

The announcement came amid wider political outreach by members of the government across the nation.