Kenyans can momentarily breathe a sigh of relief after the High Court suspended a Gazette notice that increased charges on a number of government services including application of national IDs and passports.
This comes after a petitioner moved to court challenging the gazette notice dated November 6th.
“A conservatory order be and is hereby issued suspending Gazette Notices No. 15239-15242 dated 6th November 2023 and/or any other document purporting to give authority to increase or review the charges/fees/levies specified therein pending the hearing and determination of this Application inter-partes,” ordered Justice L.N Mugambi.
In the petition, Dr. Magare Gikenyi argues that the cost for the listed services was increased arbitrarily without any formula or public participation whatsoever.
He further argues that the increase is likely to affect young Kenyans and hence make it difficult for them to get Identity cards, which will lead to an inability to get job opportunities.
“That from the foregoing, this action of the respondents will lead to inter alia loss of public confidence and outright abuse of political power to the detriment of many other young Kenyans in the county,” reads the petition
The matter will come up for confirmation of compliance and further directions on November 29, 2023.
