Busia residents protest Sh700 fee demand for IDs

When Jane Achieng', from the Bumala area in Butula Constituency, Busia County, got employment, she was elated to secure a job amid a high rate of unemployment in the country.

The 28-year-old woman had not acquired her Identification Card (ID), and one of the requirements before she reported to her new job at a construction site was the vital document.

Achieng was happy because she knew she would apply and acquire the document with ease after the government removed any charges for acquiring IDs and Passports.

However, the joy the 28-year-old had was short-lived after she was asked to give out Sh500 to government officials for the registration of the crucial document.

According to Achieng' she was forced to work for Sh500 for the processing of the ID to get the document.

"I was delighted that I have secured a job but the joy was short-lived when I was told to give out Sh500 for the ID and it forced me to do casual work for two days to get the money and yet I was going to work at the construction site in Busia town," said Adhiambo.

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Achieng' said she was told the money was for the processing of a waiting card before she could get the original document.

"It is so unfair for some rogue government officials for asking for money when the government has directed that acquiring ID is free, we want the government to crack the whip and get rid of the cartels who are sabotaging the government directive when we are bonafide citizens of this country by birth," said Achieng'.

According to the residents, the office of the area chiefs is demanding Sh200 for processing of the ID, and the office of the Deputy County Commissioner is demanding Sh500 as an inspection fee for confirmation of a title deed before getting an identification card.

The locals term the move as an extortion ring by officials overseeing the registration process.

The outcry came after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen ordered that no Kenyan should be charged for acquiring identity cards or passport certificates.

However, residents say they continue to face difficulties in obtaining these documents, with some reporting that they are being asked to pay illegal fees.

"We are told to pay an inspection fee before our applications can be approved. If you do not pay, your application is delayed indefinitely,” said Maureen Adhiambo from Matayos Constituency.

Adhiambo said her family moved from Angorom to the Bumala area in Butula after they acquired a piece of land, but she was asked to produce a title when registering for the ID.

"Angorom is not our ancestral home, but when I went to the chief's office for the registration process, I was told to produce Sh200 for quick processing. However, I was told my case was different and required to visit the DCC's office, where I was told to produce the title deeds, which I didn't have," said Adhiambo.

She added, "I was told to give out Sh500 as an inspection fee to find out whether it is true we moved to Angorom from Bumala or not, and because I was in need of the ID, I produced the money."

Others questioned whether the minister’s directive was being implemented at the grassroots level, with some calling for urgent intervention to end the malpractice.

“The government assured us that getting an ID or passport would be free, yet here we are being asked to pay hidden charges. Was this just a political statement, or is the minister serious about enforcing his order?” asked another affected resident.

The move has angered some community and human rights groups, who are now calling for action to be taken against those promoting corruption and bribery.

The lobby groups led by the Busia County Empowerment and Accountability Champions have launched public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on their rights regarding national document acquisition. 

They have urged residents to report any instances of illegal fees, labeling the practice as unlawful and exploitative.

“We are encouraging people to come forward and report cases where they are being charged to obtain ID cards. This is illegal, and those responsible must be held accountable,” said a representative from the organization, Bashir Were.

The said citizens should continue to seek clarity and justice in acquiring their national identification documents, urging the government to take immediate action against corrupt officials frustrating the process.

Western Regional Commissioner Irungu Macharia said he was unaware of the complaint, promising to follow up on the matter with the latter.

"I have not received such complaints, but I am promising to follow up on the matter to establish whether it is true,” said Macharia.

Macharia, however, said acquiring IDs is free, and the government directive must be followed to the letter.

“We all know getting IDs is free of charge, and anyone who will be found demanding or asking for illegal money, and yet he is a government official, he or she will face the full force of the law,” he said.