Passport Delays Caused by Printer Breakdown

A broken printer at the immigration department is behind  delays in printing of passports in Kenya.

The Immigration Department’s Head of Corporate Affairs Ambassador Isaac Ochieng says some Sh150 million would be needed for a new machine.

On Tuesday Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki made a surprise visit to the Immigration Department at Nyayo House in Nairobi.

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CS Kindiki had gone to “inspect services at the headquarters that issues passports and other essential documents”.

“Ambassador Ochieng attributed the delays in the printing of passports to a breakdown of one of the printers”.

“He said the department requires Sh150 million to acquire a new machine,” said the Interior ministry.

However, the CS said the government is keen to streamline the issuance of passport and other immigration department services, and will secure the requisite resources and reforms.

Besides,the delays come on the back of pressure and a looming deadline to acquire e-passports.

EAC member countries set November 30, 2022 as the deadline for acquisition of e-passports after extending the deadline from the initial date – December 31, 2022.

Thousands of Kenyans have been waiting for months with their passport applications pending at the immigration department.

Moreover,the delays have also affected Kenyans in diaspora who have been rushing to migrate to the e-passport before the deadline.