The Directorate of Immigration Services has announced the scaling down of operations as a measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
The ministry said that they were seeking to protect their staff and the public from the virus thus reducing the rate at which they would process passports.
Kenyans who had applied for passports are advised to book new appointments on the e-citizen website after which they are to submit the application forms in person to the immigration offices.
Kenyans who have applied for their passports and hope to travel urgently are requested to call the immigration department's hotline number for assistance: +254-110-922-065
"Applicants who had booked appointments for submission and biometrics capture will receive SMS notifications advising them to book new appointments," stated the Director-General of Immigration Services, Alexander Muteshi.
Through a press release, the Ministry of Interior and Co-ordination of National Government also apologized for any inconveniences caused.
"This will take effect from Monday, March 22 2021. We regret any inconveniences caused," read the statement in part.
One can apply for, renew or replace and pay for their passports online. Upon printing the application form, applicants are required to sign and date the form, adding any documents or photographs that are needed, and return it for processing.
Payments are made through mobile money, Credit, Debit Cards and online banking. Charges for a 32-page Ordinary "A" Series passport is Ksh4,550, 48 pages Ordinary "B" Series is Ksh6,050 while the 64 Pages Ordinary "C" Series costs applicants Ksh7,550.
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"It should take at least 10 working days to get your first passport once your form has been physically submitted at the Immigration offices. For all other application types, it should take at least 5 working days," reads a statement from the immigration department.
"It can take longer if more information is needed or your application hasn’t been filled out correctly," reads a statement by the department of immigration services."
