Seamless Process as Kenyans in the US Get Passports in Record Time

The Kenyan government recently delivered hundreds of passports to Kenyans in the United States.

These passports represent the culmination of applications submitted by Kenyans abroad just last month. This expedited issuance can be attributed to the prioritization of diaspora issues by President William Ruto's administration. A key factor in this achievement is the implementation of the Mobile Consular Service (MCS). This initiative decentralizes service delivery within Kenyan foreign missions allowing for a more efficient application process.

Notably, the first batch of passports requested through the MCS program last month has already arrived in Washington D.C. This accomplishment is a testament to the successful collaboration between the State Department and the Department of Immigration. Previously, applying for a Kenyan passport was only possible through the embassy in Washington D.C. However, the MCS program now allows Kenyans in major US cities like Boston, Houston, and Seattle to submit their applications locally. This expansion in service accessibility is a welcome change for the Kenyan diaspora.

Within Kenya itself, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has implemented a new directive aimed at streamlining passport issuance. This directive mandates the completion of passport applications within 21 days of successful submission. To meet this ambitious goal, the government has invested in new printing machines enabling them to tackle the backlog of over 700,000 passport requests. Additionally, Secretary Kindiki has pledged to combat corruption within the immigration department by eliminating officials who exploit Kenyans seeking passport services.

The streamlined process coupled with expanded accessibility through the MCS program empowers Kenyans to obtain passports more conveniently fulfilling their travel and identification needs.