The Kenyan government has backtracked on its decision to significantly hike fees for new and replacement national identity cards (IDs) in response to widespread public backlash.

According to a recent Gazette Notice, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki declared that Kenyans will now pay Sh300 for a new ID, down from the initially proposed Sh1,000. The cost of replacing a lost ID has also been reduced to Sh1,000 from the earlier proposed Sh2,000.
For indigent Kenyans unable to afford the new ID fees, the government will offer financial assistance. Kindiki mentioned, “The Government shall defray the costs of the revised charges, fees, and levies through a waiver for indigent Kenyans who demonstrate inability to pay.”
The updated fees for other ID-related services are as follows:

Changing particulars on an ID: Sh1,000
Identification Reports: Sh1,000
Civil Servants cards: Sh1,000
Staff badges: Sh1,000
The government’s initial choice to raise ID fees had caused anger among Kenyans, who perceived it as insensitive and financially oppressive. The public backlash compelled the government to reassess its decision and choose more reasonable fees.

The updated fees are anticipated to be implemented shortly.