The High Court in Nairobi has issued an order freezing a recent gazette notice introducing increased charges for all government-issued identification documents.
The decision by Justice Lawrence Mugambi follows a case brought forth by surgeon Gikenyi Magayi, challenging the significant fee hikes on national identification cards, passports, and certificates for births, marriages, and deaths. The court will revisit the matter on November 29.
Dr. Magayi argued that the Interior Ministry failed to provide a reasonable explanation for the more than 1,000% fee increase and did not conduct public participation as required.
He emphasized that these arbitrary increases would adversely affect many Kenyans, especially the economically disadvantaged, potentially hindering their access to crucial government documents and job opportunities.
Expressing concerns about the government’s move, Magayi asserted that the lack of public participation and arbitrary fee hikes could limit Kenyans’ rights, particularly in matters related to marriage and obtaining death certificates for loved ones.
He emphasized the importance of upholding constitutionalism, the rule of law, non-discrimination, and protecting citizens’ constitutional rights.
This development comes in the wake of revelations about the proposed cost for Kenya Kwanza’s digital ID, which resembles the previously introduced Huduma Namba.
The State had increased the fees for obtaining IDs, with a significant impact on various services, such as replacing lost or defaced IDs, altering ID details, and making identification reports.
The court’s intervention provides a temporary reprieve for Kenyans awaiting clarification on the rationale behind these fee adjustments.
