CS for Interior Kipchumba Murkomen
By IP reporter
NAIROBI, Kenya (IP)
The government has announced a six-month waiver on national identity card replacement and change-of-particulars fees.
This move officials say is aimed at encouraging more Kenyans to acquire identification documents ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to a special gazette notice dated October 30, 2025, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the new rules under the Registration of Persons (Amendment) Rules, 2025 will take effect immediately.
This will allow Kenyans to apply for duplicates or make changes to their ID cards free of charge for half a year.
The notice states that “the fees prescribed in respect of any matter under these Rules shall be the fees set out in the Sixth Schedule,” .
Fees for duplicate or replacement cards and change of particulars “shall be nil for a period of six months.”
In Bungoma County, residents have welcomed the announcement but are calling for smoother processing.
Jane Nakhumicha, a resident of Sirisia, said the waiver gives her hope but challenges remain.
“It’s still a problem to get the identity card,” she said. “I lost mine long ago and can’t even remember the number from 1979.The process should be simplified so that old records don’t lock us out.”
Another resident, James Njuguna, praised the government’s gesture but urged local administrators to ensure fairness.
“It’s good news for us, but chiefs are still demanding bribes here in Sirisia constituency, especially near the border,” he said. “The DCC should intervene so that this free exercise is not turned into a money-making scheme.”
Officials say the temporary waiver will help more Kenyans, especially in rural and border areas, to obtain valid identification in readiness for voter registration drives expected in 2026.
