.png)
Share this article:
If you’re a Kenyan hitting 18 or needing a national identity card, this guide is for you. The Kenyan ID unlocks voting, banking, and countless services, and whether you’re in Nairobi or abroad, I’ve got the latest steps, fee updates, and President Ruto’s big March 2025 announcement covered. Here’s what you need to know as of April 2025, straight from official sources and recent news.
Why the Kenyan ID Matters
The National Identity Card, issued by the National Registration Bureau (NRB), is your proof of citizenship under the Registration of Persons Act. It’s been a hassle with fees and delays in the past, but recent changes have simplified things, especially for first-timers. Let’s dive into the process for those in Kenya and those overseas.
Applying for a Kenyan ID as a Resident
Living in Kenya? Here’s how to get your ID now faster and free for first-time applicants.
- What You’ll Need:
- Be 18 or older and a Kenyan citizen.
- Original birth certificate (bring a copy too).
- Proof of age: school leaving certificate, child health card, religious certificate, or a medical officer’s age assessment.
- Copies of both parents’ national IDs (originals are a plus).
- If you’re a citizen by registration or naturalization, bring that certificate.
- Steps to Follow:
1. Visit an NRB Office: Head to your County Commissioner’s office or a Chief’s camp. Booking an appointment at hudumakenya.go.ke can save you time.
2. Fill the Form: Pick up the application form there, fill it out, and submit your documents.
3. Get Verified: Your Chief or Assistant Chief confirms your residency and signs off, followed by the District Officer.
4. Biometrics: At the NRB office, they’ll take your fingerprints and photo.
5. Wait and Collect: You’ll get a waiting card. With digitization, your ID should be ready in about 10 days—swap the waiting card for it when it’s done.
- Cost: Since March 2025, it’s free for first-timers. Replacements still cost Ksh 100 if lost or damaged.
Applying for a Kenyan ID as a Non-Resident
Living abroad? You’ll apply through a Kenyan embassy or high commission. Here’s how:
- What You’ll Need:
- Be 18 or older and Kenyan by origin.
- Valid Kenyan passport (original and copy).
- Birth certificate (original and copy).
- Parents’ ID copies (birth certificates help too).
- 2-3 recent passport photos (35mm x 45mm, white background).
- Proof of residence in your host country (like a visa or permit).
- Dual citizens need a naturalization certificate or dual citizenship declaration.
- A pre-paid, trackable return envelope (registered mail works).
- Steps to Follow:
1. Download the Form: Grab Form Reg. 136C from your embassy’s website—like kenyahighcom.org.uk for the UK and fill it out.
2. Book an Appointment: Contact your nearest embassy; walk-ins aren’t allowed.
3. Visit in Person: Show up for fingerprints and a photo. Married women changing names need their spouse there.
4. Submit Docs: Hand over everything, including the envelope. Notarize foreign papers and translate non-English ones.
5. Wait for Delivery: It takes 8-12 weeks, and your ID arrives via your envelope. Track it and follow up if needed.
- Cost: Fees used to be £30 in the UK or $50 in the US, but Ruto’s directive might make first-time IDs free—check with your embassy.
The Fee Drama: From Ksh 1,000 to Free
Fees have been a rollercoaster:
- Pre-2023: First-time IDs were free; replacements cost Ksh 100.
- November 2023: Fees jumped to Ksh 1,000 for new IDs and Ksh 2,000 for replacements, sparking outrage.
- 2024: After pushback, first-time fees dropped to Ksh 300, but many still grumbled.
Then, on March 13, 2025, President Ruto dropped a bombshell in Kibra: no Kenyan should pay for an ID. By March 19, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen made it official, scrapping the Sh300 fee for new applicants and a Sh500 verification charge. Ruto called it a right, not a privilege, aiming to help youth and marginalized areas like northern Kenya. The government now covers the cost, and digitization has slashed wait times to 10 days. Non-residents might still face embassy fees stay tuned for clarity.
Quick Comparison: Residents vs. Non-Residents
| Detail | Residents | Non-Residents |
|---|---|---|
| Where to Apply | NRB offices (e.g., Chiefs’ camps) | Embassies/High Commissions |
| Verification | Chief and District Officer | Embassy staff |
| Key Docs | Birth cert, parent IDs, age proof | Passport, birth cert, photos, visa |
| Processing Time | ~10 days | 8-12 weeks |
| Fee Now | Free (first-time) | TBD (was £30/$50, may be free) |
Why This Matters
Ruto’s change means more Kenyans can get IDs without cost barriers, and residents enjoy a speedy 10-day process. Non-residents might still pay overseas fees, but the push is for fairness. Check hudumakenya.go.ke or your embassy’s site for the latest, as things can shift.
Share this article:
URL copied to clipboard!
