An End to Free Services: Government plans to introduce fees at Huduma Centers

This plan is aimed at generating revenue for these centers and reducing reliance on government funding.

Here are some key points on the proposed changes:

Background on Huduma Centres

Huduma Centres were established to provide a one-stop shop for a wide range of government services, making it easier for Kenyan citizens to access various public services in one location.

• Book an appointment at your nearest Huduma Centre https://www.hudumakenya.go.ke/

Introduction of Service Fees

The government, through Public Service, Performance, and Delivery Management Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, plans to introduce fees for services offered at Huduma Centres. These fees will apply to both government and private sector services.

Revenue Generation

The revenue generated from these fees will be used to support and sustain the operations of the 52 Huduma Centres across the country. The goal is to make these centers financially self-sustainable, reducing their dependence on government funding

Additional Services Included

Some of the services that will come with associated fees at Huduma Centres include;

• The renewal of driver’s licenses
• The issuance of duplicate national identity cards
• National Social Security Fund (NSSF) services
• National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) registration and claims
• HELB student loan application and repayments
• Registration of welfare groups
• Issuance of police abstracts
• Single business permit
• Stamp duty assessment, and more.

Support for E-commerce 

Moses Kuria mentioned that the revenue generated from these fees would support national e-commerce initiatives, with the belief that Huduma Centres could serve as a backbone for these initiatives.

Leadership change at the Ministry

The announcement came during the official takeover of the State Department of Public Service, Performance, and Delivery Management by Moses Kuria from Gender CS Aisha Jumwa. This transition was a part of a cabinet reshuffle by President William Ruto.

The exact fee structure and implementation details for these services at Huduma Centres have not been provided in the information. The move is part of a broader strategy to promote self-sustainability and reduce the burden on the government’s budget for these centers.