Immigration Department Overhauls Passport Collection Process

The Immigration Department has announced a new, easier way to collect passports.

The new system eliminates the need for applicants to schedule appointments for passport pickup. Instead, once an application has been processed and the passport printed, applicants will receive a notification and can proceed directly to the collection desk at their original application location. This simplification comes in response to public feedback and is part of the Directorate's ongoing commitment to improving accessibility and efficiency. The move is expected to significantly reduce waiting times and alleviate pressure on the collection process to address longstanding concerns about delays and inefficiencies in passport issuance.

"Further, we have simplified the process of passport delivery: applicants are no longer required to book for appointment to collect passports," The Directorate said in a statement on X.

The initiative is particularly welcome news for Kenyans both domestically and abroad who have expressed frustration with lengthy waiting periods and the cumbersome appointment booking system. For the diaspora community which has often faced challenges accessing consular services, this streamlined process promises to ease the burden of passport renewals and other related services. The Directorate's willingness to adapt based on public input reflects a broader trend in the Kenyan government's efforts to modernize public services.

Recent years have seen various initiatives leveraging technology to enhance service delivery and reduce bureaucratic hurdles with the eCitizen platform playing a crucial role in digitizing government services. In addition to simplifying the collection process, the Directorate has been implementing other improvements such as increasing collection points and extending operating hours. These measures aim to ensure that services are not only efficient but also accessible to all Kenyans, regardless of their location.

While the announcement has been met with largely positive reactions from the public, some concerns have been raised about the new system's ability to handle increased demand effectively.