The passport crisis in the country has deepened as the Immigration Department based at Nyayo House grapples with delays in processing the crucial documents.
According to reports, the breakdown of printing machines is again one of the reasons for the delays experienced at Nyayo House.
Additionally, there is a shortage of essential printing materials for processing passports.
“I called like two weeks ago and the customer care who received my call said that they don’t have the booklets so we will have to wait for a little bit longer,” lamented Gitau, an applicant.
Further, the reports indicated that the department has witnessed a two-month breakdown in passport printing.
This has pushed applicants to extended periods of uncertainty and anxiety.
“Even after the directive from the Interior CS that passports will be out in two weeks, I have never received mine. I have been waiting since June,” said Patricia Wanja, an applicant.
Prioritizing Emergency Case
In response to these claims, the Immigration department has resorted to fast-tracking emergency cases, particularly those requiring medical attention abroad.
However, this has left other applicants, such as those seeking passports for educational opportunities, in limbo.
Also, this selective approach has raised concerns among the affected individuals who now grapple with the anticipation of a resolution to their travel document predicament.
“I am supposed to travel on December 12, but since last month I have not received any news about the passport,” said another applicant.
Sources within Nyayo House who spoke to Citizen TV said applicants are advised to await communication from immigration authorities or track the progress of their applications online without physically visiting the offices.
Also Read: Kindiki Makes Changes on ID, Passport & Marriage Application Charges
Kindik Nyayo House pledge
This came three months after the Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki pledged to deal with the passport mess.
At that time, he attributed the delays to malfunctioning machines and printers, assuring the public that the situation would be rectified with the procurement of new equipment.
CS Kindiki addressed the concerns raised by Kenyans about the services at the State department of Immigration.
“When we reviewed the production channel, we realized that we have under invested in passport production.
We need to ensure that the department can directly modernize the facilities it requires to serve even more Kenyans,” said Kindiki.
Also Read: Cost and Process of Applying for a Passport in Kenya
In addition, Kindiki said they have engaged the Treasury for the State Department of Immigration to have appropriation in aid in the Directorate of passport.
Furthermore, CS noted that the department is producing 5,000 passports per day with the staff working in two shifts, day, and night.
Also, CS Kindiki pleaded with Kenyans to be patient as they work on solving the problems at Nyayo House.
“We will solve this problem, in the coming days we will back to normal, in another 14 days the entire backlog will be finished, and we will start optimal production of passports as they arise,” said Kindiki.
Also, CS Kindiki said the ministry is committed to making service delivery at Nyayo House smooth and efficient.
