The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Service has issued an update on printing, application and collection of passports after President William Ruto pledged to support Kenyans who get job opportunities in foreign countries.
In a statement dated July 31, Immigration Principal Secretary (PS) Julius Bitok said the department has established a dedicated desk for Labour Migration to speed up application process for the said individuals.
“In line with the Presidential directive to facilitate travel for Kenyans pursuing job opportunities outside the country, we have set up dedicated Migrant Labour counters to fast-track passport applications,” Bitok said.
Bitok asked Kenyans travelling abroad for jobs to submit their application including documents from the organizations they are going to work for.
“Applicants seeking this service are advised to present their papers, which must include documents of proof of intent issued by the relevant institution,” he added.
The Directorate of Immigration said it is implementing new strategies to clear the passport backlog.
Bitok explained that the department is continuously reviewing its operations and investing in human resources, modern equipment, and technologies to enhance efficiency and the quality of clients’ experiences.
“We have also reformed our processes to decongest workstations and speed up our services. As a result of these interventions, we have cleared the historical backlog of unprinted pass- ports in our systems,” Bitok said.
The Immigration department has also provided mechanisms to promote transparency, facilitate self-tracking, and provide prompt feedback.
“To find out their passport application status, applicants can send a Short Message Service (SMS) with their eCitizen tracking number (e.g., EPPI-D6T8M4H1) to 22222,” he stated.
“Applicants can also reach us the DIS through following platforms: X: @Immigration Dept, +254 796 374 902 on WhatsApp through email: [email protected].”
Also Read: Govt Makes Changes to Passport Application and Collection Process
Uncollected Passports
Bitok revealed that his department is currently holding 110,059 uncollected passports in its offices across the country.
The passports are distributed in application centers as follows: Nairobi (55,504), Kisumu (11,707), Embu (10,816), Mombasa (8,695), Nakuru (8,615), Eldoret (8,551), Kisii (5,719), and Kericho (389) and Bungoma (62).
In addition, the government has suspended the requirement for applicants to book an appointment to collect their passports to ease passport delivery.
Also Read: Govt Gives Directive on Urgent Passport Processing
Applicants whose names appear in the links below are advised to collect their passports at the station where they submitted their application. Nairobi: https://immigration.go.ke/passports-ready-for-collection-in-nairobi/,Kisumu: https://immigration.go.ke/passports-ready-for-collection-in-kisumu/, Embu: https://immigration.go.ke/passports-ready-for-collection-in-embu/, Mombasa: https://immigration.go.ke/passports-ready-for-collection-in-mombasa/, Nakuru: https://immigration.go.ke/passports-ready-for-collection-in-nakuru/, Eldoret: https://immigration.go.ke/passports-ready-for-collection-in-eldoret/, Kisii https://immigration.go.ke/passports-ready-for-collection-in-kisii/ and Bungoma: https://immigration.go.ke/passports-ready-for-collection-in-bungoma/.
“To free up limited storage space, applicants are notified that DIS will dispose of all uncollected passports Six (6) months from the date of this notice,” Bitok explained.
“This is in line with the following laws and regulations: Section 31 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act and Regulations, Disposal of Uncollected Goods Act (CAP 38) and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations on the delivery of travel documents.”
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