The Ministry of Immigration is seeking an additional Sh4.2 billion from Parliament to finance the production of six million national identity cards following President William Ruto’s directive to scrap ID application and replacement fees.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Immigration Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang said the funds are vital to sustain the government’s new policy on free ID issuance.
President Ruto had ordered the abolition of the Sh300 charge for first-time applicants and suspended the Sh1,000 replacement fee until after the 2027 general elections. The move, he said, recognizes the ID card as a constitutional right rather than a privilege.
According to Kipsang, the ministry projects to produce three million new IDs and replace another three million lost or defaced ones this financial year. Producing each card costs approximately Sh700, including materials, logistics, and administrative expenses.
“Our projection is that we will produce 3 million identity cards and replace a similar number, bringing the total cost to about Sh4.2 billion,” Kipsang told the committee chaired by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo.
The PS explained that demand is expected to surge ahead of the 2027 elections and following the removal of the vetting requirement, which previously locked out many Kenyans—especially in border counties like Moyale, Tiaty, Kwale, Taita Taveta, and Homa Bay.
He noted that some residents, including people above 50 years in Homa Bay and 70 years in coastal counties, have never had ID cards due to the discriminatory vetting process.
“With the removal of vetting and the involvement of chiefs in verification, more Kenyans will finally access this vital document,” Kipsang added.
The ministry warned that without the additional funding, the free ID initiative could stall, derailing national registration targets and affecting essential government services.
