Champion for economic democracy, Justina Wamae, has gone against earlier directives of the national government on issuing free Identity Cards to immigrants, saying it will scare away visitors seeking to explore the country.

Currently, in Kenya, the issuance of national ID cards for first-time applicants is free of charge, with the previous Ksh300 fee having been abolished by the government. 

According to the Head of State, this change fulfils a presidential pledge to ensure every Kenyan can obtain an ID without cost, though replacement for lost cards will still incur a fee.

Speaking in Kibra Constituency in March 2025, Ruto said the move is intended to enable many Kenyans to easily secure identification documents.

“I want to announce here in Kibra today that IDs will now be issued free of charge. Every Kenyan should receive an ID without any form of discrimination,” he added.” President Ruto declared.

The announcement came after the then Interior Cabinet Secretary, now Deputy President, Kithure Kindiki, gazetted new charges, reducing the proposed fee for new ID cards from Ksh1,000 to Ksh300 following public backlash in January 2024.

“The revised charges, fees, and levies were adjusted based on public feedback received after the initial gazette notice,” Kindiki stated at the time.

However, taking to X on Monday,  October 13, 2025, Justina Wamae said the move will greatly affect the country’s tourism sector due to insecurity fears. ‘

‘Free IDs to immigrants, this will affect tourism industries heavily, who would visit a country full of terrorism and drug traffickers?” Wamae said.

Normally, immigrants in Kenya are issued an “Alien Card” or “Foreigner Certificate” after registering online via the Directorate of Immigration Services and paying an annual fee. 

The process involves an online application, paying the fee, and submitting a printed form with documents like a valid passport and proof of residency (e.g., a work, student, or dependent pass) at an immigration office. Applicants must also provide passport photos. 

However, the subject of free ID issuance to both eligible Kenyan citizens above 18 years and immigrants comes as the country prepares for the 2027 general election.

It also happens when the continuous voter registration exercise by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has resumed ahead of the 2027 polls.