Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has launched a crackdown on government officials of hindering the issuance of passports.
In a statement on Friday, 23,2024, the CS emphasized that the sting operation initiated in the morning aimed at weeding out corrupt individuals within the ministry.
“Those found culpable will be removed from service and held personally accountable by prosecution and surcharged,” Kindiki declared.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of addressing corruption swiftly to ensure that Kenyans seeking urgent documents for medical, educational, and leisure purposes were not impeded.
“Beginning this morning, a crackdown has been commenced to identify all corrupt officials. Many Kenyans continue to experience pain and frustration as they seek passports to facilitate their movement beyond our borders for whatever reason,” the CS insisted.
“As a result, many of our people have lost employment opportunities, while many others cannot travel for medical care, education, business or leisure.”
Kindiki goes after rogue officers
According to the CS, those found culpable will be removed from service and held personally accountable by prosecution and surcharged.
Moreover, the Cs pleaded with Kenyans to wait as investigation continues.
“I respectfully appeal for a little more patience from the people of Kenya to conclusively resolve this matter,” he assured.
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Other Causes for Passports Delay
However, Kindiki acknowledged the systemic delays in passport issuance, attributing them to debts owed to suppliers and inadequate investments in passport printers.
“The prevailing state of affairs is inexcusable, considering that it is the right of every Kenyan to acquire citizenship documents, including travel documents.
As the cabinet secretary responsible for passport issuance, I take responsibility for the slow pace of reforms and the prevailing systemic inefficiencies,” Kindiki admitted.
He assured the public that measures were being taken to rectify the situation promptly, including securing funds to settle outstanding debts to suppliers.
“The government undertakes to conclusively resolve this matter and create efficient and timely service delivery in the shortest time possible,” he affirmed.
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The delay in passport issuance has been a source of frustration for Kenyans.
In addition, some of the applicants had been waiting for their passports for over six months.
To address the backlog, the government acquired new printing machines.
What’s more, Kindiki’s directive follows reports that President William Ruto warned him and his ministry regarding the passport delays during the executive retreat in Naivasha.
