Kenya Govt Unveils Four New Measures to Address Passport Backlog

The State Department of Immigration and Citizen Services under the Ministry of Interior has introduced four measures to address the ongoing delay in passport processing. 

During a Tuesday hearing before the National Assembly Committee on Regional Integration, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Citizen Services Julius Bitok revealed that the government has procured two advanced personalisation printers with the ability to print 250 passports per hour. These printers are anticipated to alleviate the pressure on the department which has resulted in a backlog of over 60,000 pending applications

Additionally, the government plans to use the Appropriations in Aids (AiA) agreement to secure funding for this initiative. This can be achieved either through donor grants or revenue generated by fees and charges. The Treasury has already approved the funding request. The third solution involves hiring more staff to process passport applications while decentralising passport services to all counties to expedite the process.

To increase global outreach and help Kenyans abroad acquire passports, the ministry is intending to dispatch more officers abroad and set up more mobile outposts. Bitok said the Ministry remains ready to take further action if needed. This announcement follows a statement made by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki who had promised to clear the passport backlog within 21 days.

"We will make sure that once the printer is fixed, all new passport applications will be received in seven working days while those in emergency need of the document will receive them in 48 hours," the CS stated on June 1, 2023.

However, despite his assurance, many Kenyans are still experiencing delays in passport processing. The government explains that the delay is due to a malfunctioning printing machine and a shortage of essential materials. The government has requested that Kenyans remain patient as they work to resolve the issue.