Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Interior and National Administration Kithure Kindiki has announced the rollout of the final batch of over 700,000 passports whose production was delayed.
In a statement on Monday, May 6, the CS affirmed that measures to accelerate the collection of the remaining batch of 45,000 passports have already been implemented.
He also mentioned that the government was in the process of creating efficiency in the delivery of critical citizen services.
“We are in the process of transforming the service delivery in relation to the issuance of the Kenyan passports as well as creating efficiency in the delivery of critical Citizen Services, notably identity documents, birth certificates, passports as well the management of foreign nationals in Kenya,” the statement read in part.
Rollout of Delayed Passports
During an interactive tour on the morning of May 6 at Nyayo House, Kindiki said that he made stops at several delivery points to supervise the various processes based on feedback from the public indicating improved service delivery.
He also expressed gratitude to the personnel involved in ensuring a smooth process.
Likewise, the CS toured the departments alongside Principal Secretary for the State Department of Immigration and Citizen Services Prof. Julius Bitok and other senior officials.
Also Read: Kindiki Announces Date Kenyans Will Start Getting Passports in 3 Days
“This morning at Nyayo House, made an interactive tour of various service delivery points relating to the application, production and collection of the Kenyan passports; gratified by the applicants’ feedback of improved service delivery experience and customer relations; grateful to staff from various agencies involved in the process,” said Kindiki.
The Cabinet Secretary also disclosed that ongoing reviews, in accordance with the relevant laws in the constitution, aim to consolidate and implement the reform agenda.
“Review is ongoing of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act and regulations there under, the Kenya Citizens and Foreign Nationals Management Service Act, the Security Laws (Amendment) Act, the Counter Trafficking in Persons Act, the Refugee Act, the Registration of Persons Act, the Births and Deaths Registration Act and other relevant laws to consolidate and actualise the reform agenda,” said Kindiki.
Kindiki Announces Major Improvements in Passport Issuance
This announcement follows the Cs’ previous declaration of significant enhancements to the passport issuance procedure, addressing historical challenges such as delays stemming from underfunding, corruption, supply chain disruptions, and delivery inefficiencies.
Also Read: Govt Announces Downtime in Passport Application System
He noted that government had addressed the backlog of pending passports, reducing it from 724,000 in March 2024 to below 50,000.
Kindiki revealed that the applicants would now be able to receive their passports within 21 days after application starting May 1, 2024.
Additionally, this waiting period is set to reduce to seven days from August 1, and eventually three days from November 1, 2024.
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