Govt invites Kenyans to provide views on proposed charges, fees on public services

The government has invited public participation in the proposed new charges, levies and fees for public services.

Kenyans have until Friday, December 8, at 8.00 pm to submit their views on the new charges.

Why Kindiki revised fees on government services

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki published the new charges and levies for services provided under the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, in a gazette notice No.241, dated November 14, 2023.

“The changes in fees and levies are informed by the increase in the cost of the respective services over the years and the need to make the rendering of these services self-sustaining,” read the notice in part.

The new changes, which are expected to take effect from January 1, 2024, include a review of prices for services like ID registration and replacement, birth certificate, visa and passport registration, citizenship registration and others.

Why Kindiki wants public participation

This followed a move by the CS to revoke the Kenya Gazette Notice No. 15239 of 2023, 15240 of 2023, 15241 of 2023 and 15242 of 2023 in the Special Issue of the Kenya Gazette Vol. CXXV-No.239 dated November 7, 2023.

The gazette notices sparked public outcry from Kenyans, following increased prices.

It proposed an increase in passport registration fees from KSh 4,000 to KSh 7,5000 for a 34-page passport, while National ID registration to KSh 1,000.

Those who had lost their ID would replace it for KSh 2,000, had the new charges seen the light of day.

What are new charges for government services?

However, the new charges proposed for public participation have been adjusted to accommodate Kenyans’ views.

“The new intended charges, fees and levies have been adjusted to accommodate views of the public already received following the publication of the revoked Gazette Notices.

“On the particular issue of acquisition of National Identity Cards by previously not registered citizens, the Government shall defray the costs of the revised charges, fees and levies through a waiver for indigent Kenyans who demonstrate inability to pay,” said Kindiki.

President William Ruto’s administration instituted various measures to enhance government revenue collection.

The head of state ordered all government service payments done via mobile money to be completed via a single pay bill number 222222.

The state digitised over 14,000 government services under the Citizen platform to enhance revenue collection.