Public Service CS Moses Kuria has announced plans by his ministry to introduces charges for Kenyans seeking services at Huduma Centers.
During the official take over of the new ministry on Monday, the former Trade CS said that the move is intended to increase revenue collection and ease pressure on the exchequer.
“You have been enjoying these services without paying, there is no more free lunch. You have to pay for it, we will introduce fee for service for government service and private service to support our e-commerce because Huduma Centre will be backbone for e-commerce,”Kuria said.
Some of the services that will be charged include; NHIF and NSSF registration, HELB loan application and repayment, renewal of drivers’ licences, duplicate national identity cards,Registration of Welfare Groups, issuance of police abstracts, single business permit and stamp duty assessment among others.
“Clearly,this is one of the area that the public sector has outshined the private sector.The President has challenged us on sustainability and not trusting on the exchequer and this is one the areas where we will cut dependence on the exchequer,” he further stated.
Kenyans on Twitter X have however not welcomed the move.
“The proposal to introduce fees at Huduma centres could hinder access to government services for lower-income individuals. Sorry, Think more harder. Consult the proponents of Huduma centres, what was the intention?” an X user commented on the update that was also shared on Kuria’s X account.
“I pay to go to Huduma center??….Hold your horses I know your excited,” said an X user.
“Jaribu hiyo ya kulipisha huduma center utakuwa a CS without a portfolio in no time,” read another tweet.
Serve, Perform and Deliver
The Sheriff is in Town. pic.twitter.com/Qo8sXc1Jqf— CS Moses Kuria (@HonMoses_Kuria) October 16, 2023
