Govt Speeds Up Passport Processing for Select Kenyans; How to Apply

Kenyans on a queue at the immigration offices in Nairobi (left) and photo of the new Kenyan passport (right).
Kenyans queuing at the immigration offices in Nairobi (Left) and a photo of the Kenyan passport (Right).
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DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION

The Directorate of Immigration Services announced plans to process passports for Kenyans who were in urgent need of the important travel document.

In a statement dated Wednesday, December 21, the state department intimated that it was targeting Kenyans who were seeking to travel out of the country in the coming days.

Additionally, the government body stated that it would also consider applications for those who had not received their documentation since making their application.

The agency noted that the move was informed by a number of delays that had been witnessed in recent months.

People queue for passports outside the Nyayo House headquarters in Nairobi.
People queue for passports outside the Nyayo House headquarters in Nairobi.
Daily Nation

However, the immigration office did not explain what had caused the delays.

How To Apply 

Consequently, the department found under the Ministry of Interior called on the affected Kenyans to reach out to them through their telephone number.

The agency also noted that one could also send a message on WhatsApp.

"Applicants who have impending urgent travel or have not managed to have their passports processed are advised to contact the Directorate of Immigration Services via 0796374902.

"Kindly send your tracking number along with documentation showing the urgency for expedited processing," read the statement in part.

The government office, however, did not indicate the days it would take to process the document.

The announcement by the agency came after an uproar among Kenyans over the delays - a move that saw Interior CS Kithure Kindiki make a surprise visit to the main offices in Nairobi.

Previously, the delays have been blamed on the lack of booklets for printing.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki at the passport control office in Nairobi on November 28, 2022.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki at the passport control office in Nairobi on November 28, 2022.
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Ministry of Interior