Government Waives ID Replacement Fees for Six Months to Boost Access and Voter Registration.

The Kenyan government has announced a six-month waiver on fees for replacing lost or damaged national identity cards, as well as for amending personal details, in a move aimed at improving access to vital identification documents and promoting voter registration ahead of the 2027 elections.

The decision, published today under Legal Notice No. 175 of the Registration of Persons Act, takes effect immediately and fulfills President William Ruto’s directive to remove financial barriers to ID acquisition.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who signed the notice, said the waiver addresses long-standing challenges in obtaining or updating national IDs — a document central to accessing government services, economic opportunities, and civic rights.

“This waiver complements our recent reforms, including free issuance for first-time applicants, the abolition of extra-vetting in border counties, and the scrapping of birth certificate authentication fees when applying for IDs and passports,” Murkomen stated.

Gazette No. 175 waives ID replacement fees.

Previously, replacing a national ID cost KSh 1,050. The new policy suspends that fee until April 30, 2026, allowing Kenyans to update details such as name changes, marital status, or residence free of charge.

Murkomen urged citizens to take advantage of the waiver, noting that cost has long deterred many from acquiring or renewing IDs.

He added that easing access would strengthen democratic participation by enabling more eligible voters to register ahead of the next general election.

The initiative builds on earlier reforms rolled out in 2025, including the March gazettement of free first-time ID applications and the September removal of authentication fees for birth certificates.

Government officials expect a surge in applications and have assured the public that Huduma Centres and civil registration offices are prepared to handle increased demand.

Processing times are also expected to improve under ongoing digital upgrades to the national registration system.

Murkomen’s announcement has drawn widespread praise online, with many Kenyans welcoming the move as a timely and practical relief amid the country’s rising cost of living.