Two Passport Printing Machines to Arrive in Kenya in 3 Weeks, Says Govt

Government's Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has revealed that two new passport printing machines are expected to arrive by the end of February, with February 29 set as the deadline

This development comes in response to concerns raised by Kenyans regarding delays in passport issuance. Mwaura has urged citizens to promptly collect the 70,000 passports currently waiting to be collected from Immigration offices. He assures Kenyans that an additional 100,000 passports are currently being processed. This initiative follows Interior Ministry Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki's previous promises in 2023 to address machine breakdowns and eliminate delays in passport processing. However, despite these assurances, delays have persisted, leading to renewed frustration among applicants.

In response to public outcry, the government provided an update at the beginning of February, confirming the acquisition of new passport machines. Apart from addressing passport concerns, the government's statement has also highlighted significant achievements from the president's recent visit to Japan. Isaac Mwaura emphasizes the positive outcomes of the visit, which included securing substantial investments for various projects. Notably, Kenya has secured Sh45 billion for investment initiatives and Sh15 billion specifically allocated for the Meru-wind project. Other noteworthy projects include the Isiolo Solar Energy plant.

The government plans to increase fertilizer production, with a target of producing 72 million bags by 2027, a significant increase from the 61 million bags produced in 2023. This expansion highlights the government's dedication to improving agricultural productivity and supporting the country's food security goals. To summarize, the government's proactive actions in acquiring new passport printing machines address long-standing concerns regarding delays in passport issuance.

The president's successful diplomatic visit to Japan has opened up new investment opportunities for Kenya, paving the way for economic growth and development. Additionally, the plans to expand fertilizer production demonstrate a concerted effort to strengthen agricultural output, contributing to the overall prosperity and sustainability of the nation.