Kenyans who have recently lost their national identity cards (IDs) can finally replace them free of charge.
The service was being offered for Ksh 1,000 following a review of the charges over two years ago.
However, President William Ruto had declared a waiver a few months ago.
“We will make sure that no one is prevented from registering to vote due to a lack of an ID. Previously, we charged KSh 300 for a new ID card, but currently there are no charges, and likewise, the replacement was KSh 1,000, but we have decided to suspend the amount,” Ruto said on October 4, 2025.
The declaration was yet to take effect, causing an uproar from Kenyans who accused Huduma Centres of contradicting the president.
“Kindly note that it has yet to be implemented. Charges for the replacement of ID are KSh 1,050. The KSh 300 was for first-time applicants; that is free now,” the agency said.
However, it later issued another clarification saying: “Huduma Kenya wishes to inform our customers that the presidential directive on the issuance of ID Cards for free STILL remains and the organisation has NOT contradicted it in any way. Its implementation is underway, and we urge your patience.”
Has the waiver on the ID replacement fee been implemented?
The matter has now been put to rest with the gazetting of the waiver by the Interior and National Coordination Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
Changing particulars on the ID is also free in a waiver that will last for six months.
“The Government has today issued a special gazette notice waiving the fees charged for the replacement of IDs and changing of particulars for a period of six months,” Murkomen said on Friday, October 31, 2025.
He noted that the move was in line with President Ruto’s directive aimed at ensuring that every Kenyan acquires the document, which is a crucial access point to government services and other opportunities.
“This waiver follows our other reforms, which include free issuance to first-time ID applicants, abolition of the extra-vetting requirement for border counties, and the scrapping of authentication fees for birth certificates when applying for IDs and passports,” the CS noted.
He also asked members of the public to take advantage of the waiver period to get IDs.
