Kenyan Passport
- 178 views
The Kenyan government has taken significant strides in addressing the longstanding challenges faced by citizens seeking to obtain passports.
According to the Ministry of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, the previously daunting backlog of 724,000 passport applications has been successfully reduced to less than 50,000. This remarkable achievement paves the way for a more efficient and streamlined passport issuance process. Effective May 1st, Kenyans can anticipate receiving their passports within a reasonable 21-day timeframe. Furthermore, the Ministry of Interior has set ambitious targets to further enhance the turnaround time, aiming to reduce the waiting period to seven days from August 1st and ultimately to a mere three days from November 1st.
In his address, Cabinet Secretary Kindiki reiterates the ministry's resolve to combat corruption and inefficiencies that had previously hampered the passport issuance process. He discloses that a group of 17 individuals, comprising both public servants and private citizens have been apprehended for their involvement in extorting money from passport seekers. These individuals who had been soliciting bribes will face criminal charges. This aims to send a strong message that such unlawful practices will not be tolerated.
The Cabinet Secretary conveys profound gratitude to the Kenyan public for their patience and understanding throughout this endeavour. He acknowledges the hardships endured by citizens as they navigate the arduous process of obtaining passports amidst the backlog and bureaucratic hurdles. Additionally, Kindiki commends the tireless efforts of Immigration officials who have been instrumental in implementing the necessary reforms since April 2023.
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration also extends its appreciation to the National Treasury for securing the requisite funds to settle outstanding supplier bills and facilitate the acquisition of upgraded equipment for passport production. This collaborative effort between various government agencies underscores the commitment to resolving the challenges that had previously plagued the system.