Raila to oppose new fees on IDs, raises poll regets

Azimio leader Raila Odinga yesterday vowed to oppose any fees the government proposes to impose on Kenyans seeking ID cards.

Raila faulted the government for proposing to raise the charges, saying the document should be given free of charge as proof of citizenship.

In a meeting hosted by Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, Raila said the proposal by the government to increase fees on certain services should be vehemently opposed.

“We will fight on the ID issue. Every Kenyan should get an ID card, as it is the one that shows you are a Kenyan. So, someone wants you to buy it. We will demand that every Kenyan is given an ID card even if they do not have money,” Raila said.

His move comes a day after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki announced the revocation of Kenya Gazette Notice No. 15239 of 2023, 15240 of 2023, 15241 of 2023, and 15242 of 2023, which detailed the proposed upward revision of charges, fees, and levies for various services provided by the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services.

The proposal, which is subject to public participation, sparked widespread public discontent over the initially proposed fee increment.

In response to the criticism, Kindiki emphasised the importance of citizen involvement, stating; “We recognise the need for broader engagement on matters that directly impact the people. This revocation allows for a more inclusive dialogue and ensures the public’s voice is heard.”

Despite the setback, the CS swiftly introduced new intended charges, fees, and levies for the same services, set to take effect on January 1, 2024.

Kindiki urged the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services to expedite public participation, with a deadline set for December 10.

The revised financial measures are framed within the context of the country’s quest for self-reliance in financing the National Budget. “This adjustment is essential to liberate the country from unsustainable debt and safeguard the sovereignty and dignity of future generations,” the CS noted.

In the proposal, Kenyans were to replace their lost IDs at a cost of Sh1,000 and not Sh2,000 indicated in the Gazette notice.

The cost of changing particulars of an ID has remained unchanged. Kenyans will pay the initial amount of Sh1,000.

However, the proposed charges on passports have remained the same as contained in the revoked Gazette notice.

The ordinary 34 -page passport that cost Sh4,500 will now cost Sh7,500, the 50-page one will cost Sh9,500 up from Sh6,000 while the 66-page passport will cost Sh12,500 up from Sh 7,500.
Replacing a lost passport will cost Sh20, 000 compared to the current Sh12,000.

Key areas

The CS has also maintained the increase of birth certificates from Sh50 to Sh200 in the new proposal.
The Orange Party leader also addressed the upcoming National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, saying it must address key areas among them the high cost of living, IEBC restructuring and auditing of the 2022 presidential votes.

Raila said the Opposition will have no alternative but to reject the report should it fail to address the high cost of living.

“We will have to reject the dialogue outcome if it does not address the issues which are dear to us like the high cost of living and quest for electoral reforms,” he said.

Raila’s sentiments were also echoed by MPs who accompanied him. They threatened to shoot down the report should it be presented to Parliament without the inclusion of the contentious matters such as the cost of living.

NADCO, led by Kalonzo Musyoka for Azimio Coalition and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah for Kenya Kwanza administration was expected to finalise drafting their report yesterday.

Raila’s warning on the final bipartisan talks report was echoed by Kalonzo on Sunday when he cautioned that the final report may be compromised if the government fails to agree that the issue of high cost of living should be addressed and highly prioritised.

“Kenyans have said if we do not address the cost of living, there will be no deal,” Kalonzo told supporters in Vihiga, saying they would not compromise on this issue.

During the meeting, he also regretted the decision to back Polycarp Igathe as the Azimio candidate in the Nairobi gubernatorial race, saying this cost the coalition in the capital.

“We did not get the governor… because our candidate was not the right one,” he said. “I regret because I am the one who told Tim to step down. Tim was a gentleman. He accepted.”

Also present were former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, elected leaders and several Ward Reps from Nairobi.