The State Department for Immigration has requested Sh4.2 billion from Parliament to process and issue six million national identification cards (IDs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Dr. Belio Kipsang, Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services, producing each ID card costs approximately Sh700.
“The card itself costs about Sh400. When you include other expenses, the total goes up to around Sh700,” he explained. “We plan to produce three million cards initially and then replace another three million, bringing the total projected expenditure to Sh4.2 billion.”
Dr. Kipsang defended the high number of expected applications, citing historical trends in Kenya. “Last year we issued two million cards. As we approach an election, demand typically surges,” he said.
The PS also explained that the government will not charge citizens for acquiring IDs until after the 2027 elections. Previously, first-time applicants were required to pay Sh300, while replacements cost Sh1,000. “Removing the fees ensures more people can obtain their IDs,” Dr. Kipsang said.
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He highlighted challenges faced by residents in border counties such as Moyale, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Homa Bay, and Tiaty in Baringo County. Strict vetting requirements have left many adults without IDs, while younger family members have them.
“In Homa Bay, many citizens aged 50-60 still lack IDs. In Kwale and Taita Taveta, children often have IDs, but their parents do not, often due to cross-border marriages,” he said.
The additional vetting measures in border counties aim to reduce insecurity by ensuring Kenyan IDs are only issued to genuine citizens.
Dr. Kipsang presented the estimates before a parliamentary committee on Thursday, 30th October 2025, emphasizing that the budget reflects both production costs and the anticipated surge in demand as the elections approach.
– By Timon Otieno
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