Didmus Barasa, a member of parliament representing Kimilili, has blasted the government over the State Department of Immigration and Citizen Services’ recent changes to the fees associated with identity documents.
Barasa, who went to X on Wednesday night, claimed that the decision made by the Government—which is detailed in a November 7 Gazette Notice—is regressive and will put more financial strain on Kenyans.
He emphasized the effects on regular Kenyans who are already struggling and encouraged the government to reevaluate its position.
The lawmaker emphasized the seeming gap between the people in charge and the general public, characterizing them as “power drunk” people who indulge in extravagance while charging exorbitant costs for necessities.
To put it mildly, this is retrogressive; when authority is present, individuals become dishonest. These people exude authority; they eat taxes with a huge spoon, flaunt their most costly designer shoes, and hurl leftovers to barefoot Kenyans! Things are moving along,” said Barasa.
The Kimilili MP questioned the reasoning behind the significant fee increases, pointing out that the cost of a marriage certificate increased from Ksh.30,000 to Ksh.100,000.
He also urged the government to refrain from imposing onerous regulations on the populace.
The memo details the updated fees, which include considerable increases for passport applications, lost ID replacements, and ID applications.
Notably, instead of the prior free issuance, first-time ID applicants now have to pay Ksh. 1,000. The cost of replacing lost identification has gone from Ksh. 100 to Ksh. 2,000.
The cost of applying for a passport has also increased; a regular 34-page passport now costs Ksh. 7,500, up from Ksh. 4,500.
