The High Court of Kenya has issued a greenhouse order preventing any increase or review of essential government service fees. This follows a gazette notification published yesterday and shared on social media, which resulted in public outrage over the sudden and violent fare hike.
The Government Gazette notification proposes charging exorbitant fees for government services such as passport issuance, identity card application and exchange, and marriage certificates, some of which have long been free.
The petition filed by Dr. Magale Gikenyi J. Benjamin in the High Court today has been deemed urgent and will be heard on a priority basis. Additionally, both applications and petitions are served within 3 days.
Part of the court order shared today issuing the Conservatory Order reads: “Gazette Notification No. 15239-15242 dated November 6, 2023 and/or any other document purporting to authorize increase or review of charges. A Cease and Desist Conservatory Order has been issued and is hereby issued.'' The fees/surcharges specified therein are pending hearing and determination of this application between the parties. ”
The suspended gazette notification proposes an increase of up to 10 times the fees currently charged for essential services and documents. Additionally, some services require a fee upon initial installation. For example, a new ID applicant must pay her KES. Currently he is 1,000 from KES. 0 charged.
In addition, replacing a lost ID will cost KES. 2,000 from the current KES. 100. These are just a few of the ridiculous rate increases being proposed for a variety of essential government services. Given the current difficult economic climate, the introduction of these charges will only put Kenyans in an even more difficult situation.
Compliance review and further instructions are expected to take place on November 29, 2023.
