The Kenyan government is planning to raise fees across a range of essential services, as seen in the Kenya Gazette published on 7th November 2023. This has been met with public outrage. This comes at a time when the nation is already facing tough economic conditions, and the populace is expressing their frustration on social media platforms. Below are the tables extracted from the Gazette which detail the new rates for various services:
New Kenya Passport Fees:
| Passport Type | Current Fee (KSh.) | New Fee (KSh.) |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary (32 Pages) | 4,500 | 7,500 |
| Ordinary (48 Pages) | 6,000 | 9,500 |
| Ordinary (64 Pages) | 7,500 | 12,500 |
| Diplomatic (48 Pages) | 7,500 | 15,000 |
| Replacement of Lost Passport | 12,000 | 20,000 |
New Death and Birth Certificate Fees:
| Service | Current Fee (KSh.) | New Fee (KSh.) |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 50 | 200 |
| Late Registration of Birth | 150 | 500 |
| Death Certificate | 50 | 200 |
| Late Registration of Death | 150 | 500 |
| Registration of Birth in Foreign Missions | $50 | $150 |
New Kenya Citizenship, Permanent Residence Fees:
| Service | Current Fee (KSh.) | New Fee (KSh.) |
|---|---|---|
| Regaining Citizenship | 5,000 | 50,000 |
| Dual Citizenship Declaration | 10,000 | |
| Passport Endorsements | 500 | 10,000 |
| Renunciation | 20,000 | 50,000 |
| Citizenship by Marriage | 30,000 | 100,000 |
| Children of Kenyan citizens born outside Kenya (processing) | 100,000 | 200,000 |
| Children of Kenyan citizens born outside Kenya (Issuance) | 500,000 | 1,000,000 |
| Spouses of Kenyan Citizens (processing) | 5,000 | 50,000 |
New Charges for getting an ID:
| Service | Current Fee (KSh.) | New Fee (KSh.) |
|---|---|---|
| Identity Card Not Previously Registered | _ | 1,000 |
| Duplicate/Replacement of Identity Card | 100 | 2,000 |
| Change of Particulars | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Identification Reports | 300 | 1,000 |
These tables represent the stark increases in fees that Kenyan citizens may soon be facing for critical documents and services. The heightened fees for passports reflect a substantial increase that could impact international travel and mobility for Kenyans. The rise in the cost of birth and death certificates may also affect the most fundamental civil registration services.
The increases in citizenship and immigration fees reflect one of the most significant jumps, particularly concerning citizenship by registration. This could have implications for those seeking to formalize their status in the country.
The announcement of these new rates comes at a time when the Kenyan populace is already grappling with severe economic challenges and an escalating tax regime imposed by the government. The timing and scale of the proposed fee increases have only added fuel to the public’s frustration, with social media channels ablaze with reactions from aggrieved citizens. The consensus among the online community is one of outrage, with many questioning the justification behind such exorbitant rate hikes during what is already a financially strenuous period for the majority.
The government has yet to provide a clear rationale for the proposed increases, leaving room for speculation and discontent to grow. With the cost of living already on an upward trajectory, these additional financial demands pose a significant hardship on Kenyan residents, who are calling for a reconsideration of the proposed fee structure.
The Gazette notice has undeniably struck a chord with the public, prompting a broader conversation about the economic direction of the country and the government’s role in easing the financial burdens of its citizens. As the debate continues, all eyes are on the Kenyan government for its next move in response to the public outcry.
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