President Ruto Waives ID Replacement Fees to Boost Voter Registration
President William Ruto has announced an ID replacement fee waiver Kenya, allowing citizens to replace lost identification cards for free to boost voter registration ahead of the next elections.
Encouraging Voter Registration
Speaking during the Pentecostal Assemblies of God centenary celebrations in Nyang’ori, Vihiga County, President Ruto said the move aims to ensure every eligible Kenyan can register as a voter. He noted that the ID replacement fee was initially introduced to curb abuse, as some citizens repeatedly misplaced their IDs after receiving them for free.
“We will make sure no one is denied the opportunity to register as a voter because of lacking an identification card,” Ruto said, emphasizing inclusivity in the voter registration process.
The free replacement window will remain in effect until after the upcoming elections.
Infrastructure and Sovereign Wealth Funds
The President also revealed that the government is setting up two new financial instruments — the Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund — to drive national development and economic sustainability.
He said the Infrastructure Fund will finance key sectors such as irrigation, agro-processing, and manufacturing. Ruto emphasized the importance of increasing Kenya’s power generation capacity from the current 2,300 megawatts to at least 10,000 megawatts to sustain industrial growth.
Boosting Development and Privatisation Efforts
President Ruto praised Parliament for approving the privatisation of the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), saying the move will help raise over KSh130 billion to finance national development projects. He called on Kenyans to embrace a culture of productivity and ambition, urging citizens to move beyond mediocrity and focus on transforming the nation.
“We must change this country. We cannot continue to talk without acting,” he said.
Commitment to Quality Healthcare
Ruto issued a strong warning to public health facilities charging patients for outpatient services in dispensaries and health centres, stressing that the government is already covering those costs.
He added that the government has fully paid Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions for 2.5 million vulnerable Kenyans, ensuring access to quality healthcare for all citizens.
“As Government, we have disbursed KSh3.7 billion to pay for those who are unable to pay their SHA premiums,” Ruto said.
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Calls for Unity and Youth Participation
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi praised President Ruto for championing African interests globally, particularly during his recent address at the United Nations General Assembly. Mudavadi encouraged Western Kenya residents to support the President’s development agenda and lauded the growing unity between Ruto and Raila Odinga as a sign of national progress.
Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo affirmed that development projects agreed upon with the national government were on track. Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, urged young Kenyans to register as voters to have a say in choosing their leaders.
“You can’t be partyless, voiceless, leaderless, voteless. Register to vote,” he said.
A Push Toward a More Inclusive Future
The government’s decision to waive ID replacement fees has been widely viewed as a strategic move to improve voter turnout and strengthen Kenya’s democracy. Analysts say it could especially benefit youths and rural residents who often face challenges obtaining IDs ahead of elections.
