Huduma Kenya clarifies Ksh150 cyber café assistance fee

Huduma Kenya has issued a clarification regarding a Ksh150 fee charged by cyber cafés located within its 57 service centres. The agency explained that this auxiliary charge, which was standardized and rolled out in 2023, is intended to cover assisted tasks such as printing, scanning, and completing online applications, as well as a convenience fee for using the eCitizen platform.

The agency emphasized that the Ksh150 fee is distinct from official government service charges. For instance, a one-year driving licence renewal through the National Transport and Safety Authority involves a Ksh600 agency fee and a Ksh50 eCitizen convenience fee, separate from any assistance provided by the cafés.

Huduma Kenya further noted that the cyber cafés are operated by independent business owners selected through government tenders, and the agency does not collect revenue from the services delivered through these third-party operators. Common services sought at these centres include civil registration, identity documents, transport licensing, and social welfare registrations.