Kenyan Immigration and Citizen Services Revise Service Charges 2023

Kenyan Immigration and Citizen Services Revise Service Charges 2023

 

In a recent development, the Kenyan government has announced adjustments to charges and levies for various services provided by the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services. These revisions, set to take effect in 2023, will impact Kenyan citizens, government institutions, and private organizations. The changes come as part of a broader effort to streamline and enhance the efficiency of immigration and citizen services in Kenya.

Notable Adjustments:

1. Passport Fees: Passport fees for ordinary booklets with 34 pages will see an increase of Ksh 3,000, bringing the cost to Ksh 7,500. The 50-page booklets will be priced at Ksh 9,500, up from Ksh 6,000, while the 66-page booklets will cost Ksh 12,500 instead of Ksh 7,500. Diplomatic passports with 50 pages will double in cost, going from Ksh 7,500 to Ksh 15,000.
2. Passport Replacement: Those seeking to replace lost or mutilated passports will be required to pay Ksh 20,000.
3. Birth and Death Certificates: Fees for crucial documents like birth and death certificates will be adjusted.
4. Identity Card Replacement: The replacement or duplication of identity cards will now cost Ksh 2,000, an increase from the previous fee of Ksh 100. Unregistered individuals will pay Ksh 1,000.
5. Visas and Immigration Documents: Fees for visas, citizenship, permanent residence, and work permits will be subject to changes, requiring applicants to allocate additional funds.
6. Government and Private Institutions: Government and private institutions will face new annual fees. Government institutions will be required to pay Ksh 500,000, while private organizations will be subject to a Ksh 1 million annual fee. Additionally, a connection fee of Ksh 50,000 has been introduced.

These revisions have been authorized through Regulation 60 of the Public Finance Management (National Government) Regulations, 2015, granting the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration the authority to adjust these charges and levies.

The adjustments impact various legislative acts, including the Births and Deaths Registration Act, The Registration of Persons Act, and the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act. Furthermore, civil servant cards and staff badges will see revised costs of Ksh 1,000, replacing the previous fees of Ksh 100 and Ksh 350, respectively.

Visa and consular fees have also been modified, with single journey visas now priced at 100 US dollars and multiple journey visas at 500 US dollars, as opposed to the previous fees of 50 and 100 US dollars, respectively.

These changes reflect a broader strategy to improve and modernize immigration and citizen services in Kenya. The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services aims to enhance its capacity to serve the public and meet evolving demands effectively.

Call to Action:

As these changes take effect, it is crucial for all stakeholders, including citizens, government bodies, and private organizations, to stay informed and plan accordingly. Understanding the updated fee structures and requirements is essential to ensure smooth and compliant interactions with the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services. For any inquiries or assistance related to these adjustments, do not hesitate to reach out to Olinga Advocates, where our team is ready to provide expert guidance and support in navigating these regulatory changes. We are committed to helping you stay in compliance and make the transition as seamless as possible. Contact us today for more information and personalized assistance.