Government extends waiver on ID replacement fees to October 2026

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a six-month extension of the waiver on fees for replacing national identification cards, offering relief to thousands of Kenyans.

In a special gazette notice dated April 30, 2026, Murkomen confirmed that the waiver—initially set to expire after six months—will now remain in effect until October 30, 2026. The extension replaces an earlier directive issued in October 2025, which had required citizens to update or replace lost IDs by April 30, 2026, in preparation for the 2027 General Elections.

“I have today issued a special gazette notice extending the waiver period for fees charged on the replacement of IDs and change of particulars for a further six months,” Murkomen stated.

Under the revised directive, the Ksh1,000 fee previously charged for duplicate or replacement ID cards will continue to be waived during this period, removing a financial barrier for many citizens.

Murkomen explained that the extension is part of a broader government initiative to ensure universal access to essential identification documents. He emphasized that national IDs are crucial for daily life, enabling citizens to access government services, secure employment, and carry out financial transactions.

“We are committed to ensuring that all citizens can acquire vital identification documents to access government services and other opportunities,” he said while urging all eligible Kenyans to take advantage of the extended waiver period to update or replace their identification documents in good time.

The Cabinet Secretary also noted that the move aligns with ongoing reforms under President William Ruto’s administration aimed at simplifying access to key civil documentation. Recent measures include eliminating fees for first-time ID applicants, scrapping charges for birth certificate authentication, and scrapping vetting procedures in Northern Kenya.