How to Apply for a Kenyan Passport: A Step-by-Step Guide

For many Kenyans, obtaining a passport provides opportunities to travel abroad or to explore and experience the world beyond Kenya’s borders. However, applying for a Kenyan passport can often seem overwhelming.

This article offers a step-by-step guide to help you easily navigate the application process.

Step-by-step guide on how to apply for Kenyan Passport

 Step 1: Create an eCitizen Account

The first step is accessing the eCitizen portal. If you’re new to the portal, you’ll need to create an account by following these steps:

1. Visit the eCitizen website.
2. Click on Sign In or Register on the homepage.
3. Fill in the required details, including your ID number, full name, email address, phone number, and a secure password.
4. Verify your email or phone number as instructed.
5. Once verified, log in to your newly created account.

Step 2: Select the Passport Application Service

After logging in, follow these steps:

1. Click on Department of Immigration Services under the list of services.
2. Select Apply for a Passport to proceed.
3. Choose the appropriate application category:
   • Adults Only (for persons over 18 years)
   • Children Only (for persons under 18 years)

Step 3: Choose the Passport Type and Size

Indicate whether you’re applying for a diplomatic, ordinary, or dual passport. Then, select the desired number of pages based on your needs:

After selecting the type of passport you want to apply for, you will need to fill in the following details accurately.

Personal Information:

• Given Names (First and Second Names)
• Surname
• Date of Birth
• Birth Location (Country of birth, Home County and Place of Birth)
• Special peculiarities (unique physical characteristics or distinguishing features that can help identify you)
• Gender
• Height (Feet and Inches)
• Colour of eyes
• Nationality
• Marital Status
• Profession/Occupation
• Reason for travel
• Location to submit application

Also Read: Ministry of Interior Issues Update on Passports Application and Collection

Residential Details:

• Country of Residence
• Postal Address
• Postal Code
• Email Address
• Estate, House Number
• Phone Number

Identification Details:

• National ID Number
• Passport Number (if applying for a renewal or replacement)
• Birth Certificate Number

 Parental Information:

• Full Names and ID Numbers of Parents
• Parents place of birth
• Parents Postal address

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Scan and upload the following documents:

• Recent passport-sized photo (white background).
• Applicant’s signature (on a white background).
• Copies of:
  • National ID (front and back).
  • Birth Certificate.
  • Parents’ ID cards (or Death Certificates if deceased).
• Any additional documents as specified for special cases (e.g., affidavit for lost or mutilated passports).

Also Read: Govt Announces Loss of Birth Certificates, Issues Directive

Step 6: Pay the Application Fee

Select your preferred payment method on the portal and pay the corresponding passport fee. After payment:

1. Download and print the application form.
2. Print four copies of the payment receipt.

Step 7: Submit the Application In-Person          

Visit the nearest immigration office to submit your application. This will depend on the place you had selected to submit your application during the time of application.

The key offices are:

1. Nyayo House, Nairobi: This is the primary location for passport processing and collection in Nairobi.
2. Mombasa: The Immigration Office in Mombasa serves the coastal region.
3. Kisumu: The Immigration Office in Kisumu caters to the western region.
4. Eldoret: The Immigration Office in Eldoret serves the Rift Valley region.
5. Embu: The Immigration Office in Embu serves the eastern region.
6. Nakuru: The Immigration Office in Nakuru also provides passport services.
7. Garissa: The Immigration Office in Garissa serves the northeastern region.

During submission, one has to have the following documents:

1. Printed application form.
2. One Government and one customer copy of the payment receipt.
3. Original and photocopies of the following:
   • National ID.
   • Birth Certificate.
   • Recommender’s ID.
   • Old passport (for replacement).
4. Three current passport-sized photos.
5. Additional documents for special cases:
   • Affidavit, police abstract, and explanation letter for lost passports.
   • Explanation letter for mutilated passports.

Step 8: Biometric Enrollment

All applicants must appear in person for biometric enrollment at the immigration office.

How long does it take to get a passport?

After submitting your application, it takes approximately:

• 10 working days for a first-time passport.
• 5 working days for renewals or replacements.

Processing may take longer if additional information is required or if the application is incomplete.

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