By Treezer Michelle Atieno
In a move that has stirred public discontent, the Kenyan government confirmed the issuance of a gazette notice on November 7, outlining substantial fee hikes for essential documents, including passports and identification cards. The controversy surrounding this notice, initially clouded by authenticity concerns, was resolved when the Government Printer officially certified it on November 9, 2023.
This development, however, comes in the wake of conservatory orders issued by Justice Lawrence Mugambi of the High Court in Nairobi on the same day, temporarily halting the implementation of the new charges. These legal interventions followed a petition by Nakuru-based surgeon Magare Gikenyi, challenging the increased fees.
The impact of these fee hikes on the cost of living for Kenyan citizens is significant. The contentious gazette notice specifies that those applying for the first time will now pay Sh1,000 for passports, marking a stark departure from the previous provision of free services for identification documents. Additionally, Kenyans seeking replacements for lost IDs face a 20% increase in charges, now set at Sh2,000.
The effects of these changes are already reverberating through the nation, eliciting a strong reaction on social media. Many citizens express their displeasure at the heightened financial burden, with concerns raised about the affordability of these crucial documents for travel, employment, and access to essential services.
One of the most immediate consequences is the strain on the cost of living. Families and individuals, particularly those in the middle-income bracket, must now allocate a more substantial portion of their budgets to cover the elevated costs of obtaining or renewing passports and IDs. This reallocation directly impacts discretionary income, leaving less money available for other essential needs, such as education, healthcare, and daily sustenance.
Businesses and economic activities are not immune to these changes. Industries relying on a mobile workforce, frequently in need of passports and IDs, are grappling with the challenge of increased operational costs. The higher expenses associated with obtaining these documents make it more difficult for businesses to attract and retain employees, further disrupting labor markets.
The fee increase has also sparked debates about social equity and inclusivity. Critics argue that the added financial burden disproportionately affects low-income individuals and marginalized communities, exacerbating existing inequalities. This raises questions about the government’s commitment to fostering social cohesion and economic empowerment.
In an attempt to address public concerns, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu issued an apology over discrepancies in a related Gazette Notice. The notice erroneously indicated a doubling of fees for processing permanent residences for children of Kenyan citizens born outside the country.
As the nation grapples with these changes, citizens are calling for a review of the policy, emphasizing the need for more transparent and inclusive decision-making processes that consider the concerns of all stakeholders. The legal challenges initiated by Magare Gikenyi underscore the deep-seated discontent surrounding the fee increases.
The recent fee hikes for essential documents in Kenya, despite being temporarily halted by legal injunctions, have already left an indelible mark on the cost of living for citizens. The economic and social repercussions are evident, and as discussions unfold, policymakers must carefully consider the broader implications of such fee hikes on the well-being of the Kenyan populace.
