Didmus Barasa, a member of parliament for Kimilili, has blasted the government for the State Department of Immigration and Citizen Services' recent changes to the fees associated with identity documents.
Barasa, who took to X on Wednesday night, claimed that the government's decision— 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 urged 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.
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"This is retrogressive to say the least; people get dishonest in the presence of power. These characters seem power drunk, eating taxes with a big spoon, wearing the most expensive designer shoes and vomiting remnant on Kenyans who walk bare feet! Things are taking," Barasa stated.
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 notice 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.
Applying for a passport has also increased; a standard 34-page passport now costs Ksh. 7,500, up from Ksh. 4,500.
