Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, has announced major improvements in the passport issuance process, with applicants set to receive their passports within 21 days from the application date, starting May 1, 2024.

This waiting period will be further reduced to 7 days from August 1, 2024, and 3 days from November 1, 2024 according to CS Kindiki.

The announcement follows the government’s efforts to address historical issues that had resulted in delays, including underfunding, corruption, disruption in the supply chain, dilapidated printing infrastructure, and delivery inefficiencies.

In a statement made on April 18, Kindiki noted that the government has also addressed the backlog of pending passports, reducing it from 724,000 in March 2024 to below 50,000, with 40,000 passports ready for collection.

War on Corruption at Nyayo House

Furthermore, the CS disclosed that seventeen individuals, including public servants and members of the public, have been arrested for their involvement in an organized criminal group that exploited the system to extort Kenyans.

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“Seventeen (17) Public Servants and members of the public who were part of an organized criminal gang which took advantage of the situation to extort Kenyans have been arrested and are facing criminal charges,” said Kindiki.

He also highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring transparent and accessible immigration services.

“The fight against corrupt practices within the Immigration space will remain a continuous process until the public can access immigration services without having to corrupt anybody,” he noted.

Kindiki Speaks on Improved Service Delivery

Furthermore, Kindiki said adequate infrastructural, systemic and personal arrangements have been put in place to ensure the realization of service delivery and meet deadlines even as the number of applicants keeps growing.

The CS stated that the government is prepared to handle the rising demand for passports due to the labor export policy.

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The Ministry of Interior and National Administration thanked members of the public for their patience and acknowledged the hard work of immigration officials since the reforms began in April 2023.

Additionally, Kindiki appreciated support from the National Treasury in securing funds to settle outstanding bills and modernize passport production equipment that has been crucial in achieving this progress.