Proposal to Separate Immigration from Kenya's Interior Ministry Gathers Pace

The government is considering making the Immigration and Citizen Services an independent department separate from the Ministry of Interior.

This proposal, revealed by Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, aims to rejuvenate the department and address its tarnished reputation. Under the proposed restructuring, the Directorate of Immigration would become an independent service, similar to the Kenya Revenue Authority or the National Police Service. Bitok emphasizes that this transformation would enhance professionalism within the department and elevate its status as a crucial national service. For years, Nyayo House has been plagued by allegations of corruption. The passport issuance process, a multibillion-shilling industry, has been characterized by tight control over supplies and tenders for essential items.

Corrupt cartels have reportedly created artificial backlogs in passport applications, forcing applicants to resort to bribery to expedite the process. A key aspect of the proposed reform is the relocation of the department's headquarters from Nyayo House. Bitok acknowledges the need for a new address to distance the department from its troubled past and to demonstrate a commitment to serving both Kenyans and foreigners with the highest level of professionalism. The push for reforms has gained momentum with pressure coming from various sectors, including the National Assembly. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki had previously pledged to tackle corruption at Nyayo House, describing it as a "crime scene" contributing to national issues such as insecurity and terrorism.

In addition to addressing corruption, the department is grappling with a backlog of over 90,000 uncollected passports, straining its storage facilities. The government has urged applicants to collect their documents to alleviate this pressure. The proposed transformation of immigration services into an independent body is widely viewed as a necessary step towards restoring public trust in a sector that has long been under scrutiny. Alongside these structural changes, the government is focusing on enhancing the overall efficiency and transparency of the immigration process. This includes digitizing manual records, integrating all government services into the e-Citizen platform, and issuing passports to 30 million Kenyans.

The strategic plan for 2023-2027 outlines additional initiatives, such as establishing a fingerprint laboratory, constructing national registration registries, and improving border control management systems. The Directorate of Immigration is determined to shed its history of corruption by embracing transparency and has cautioned new recruits against engaging in corrupt practices. Furthermore, the government is considering the establishment of the Kenya Institute of Migration Studies to provide specialized training for immigration officers.