A section of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have weighed in on the move by government to increase marriage registration fees and other charges for key citizen services.

Under the umbrella IDPs network, the group argues that such a move will hinder many young people from entering into marriage.

They spoke in Nakuru over the weekend during their meeting to thank government for assuring of settlement of IDPs by December 2023.

Read: Nakuru IDPs blame Ministry of Lands for delayed resettlement

The group led by Peter Tena said it will also lead to cases of young people shying away from registering their marriages.

Tena also argues that such a move will also lead to many challenges in the society as marriage institutions shall be weakened.

The IDPs Network now calling on President William Ruto to re-think about the decision if indeed he cares about the hustler narrative that was used during campaigns.

"The move to increase fees for marriage certificates and key citizen services such as application of IDs and renewal will be weakening the society as marriage institutions make a better society. Let the President re-think," says Tena.

Similar sentiments echoed by Pastor Harrison Mwangi.

Also Read: IDPs ask Kihika to intervene on resettlement, compensation promise

He points out that the government should stop burdening Kenyans through unnecessary taxes on key citizen services.

"Kenyans are already burdened with high cost of living and therefore the government should think of how to bail them out rather than worsening the situation through new fees," said Pastor Mwangi.

The government increased marriage processing charges at the Attorney General's office from Sh5,000 to Sh50,000.

However, the High Court issued temporary orders halting the implementation of the planned increase in service fees for key citizen services.

Milimani High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi issued the conservatory orders suspending the increase of various services including Identity Card replacement, passport acquisition, and marriage certificates as gazetted on November 6, 2023, by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.

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The judge suspended the fees pending the hearing and determination of a case lodged in court by a Nakuru Doctor Magari Gikenyi challenging the legality of the newly imposed fees.

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Nakuru IDPs, clergy weigh in on marriage registration fees

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Pristone Mambili