Foreigner Who Designed Kenyan Passport Breaks Down Hidden Security Features

Designer Colin Howell speaking in Nairobi on May 24, 2023 (left) and a lady holding a Kenyan passport in their hand (right).
Designer Colin Howell speaking in Nairobi on May 24, 2023 (left) and a lady holding a Kenyan passport in their hand (right).
PCS
Department of Immigration Services

Colin Howell on Wednesday, May 24, explained how he designed the new Kenyan passport and the security features that were embedded in the key travel document.

Speaking during the ID4Africa annual conference in Nairobi, the designer recognised that special features were included in the document to ensure that they were not counterfeited.

In particular, he cited the photo of a skin of a leopard that was used as a background in the document. He noted many people hardly saw the features at first glance.

He also noted that there was also another layer of leopards on a baobab tree close to the edges of a passport.

A screengrab of the magnified background of the Kenyan Passport showcased by Colin Howell on May 24, 2023.
A screengrab of the magnified background of the Kenyan Passport showcased by Colin Howell on May 24, 2023.
Kenyans.co.ke

The designer expounded that the layering of the feature was done using high-tech software.

"I wonder whether you have seen the level of detail that has gone into it. In the background, I have included the hide of the animal.

"You may have seen the leopard on the baobab tree, but what about the level of detail on the background that secured that document from the counterfeit?" he posed.

On the other hand, he noted that the design process - undertaken 10 years ago - also incorporated the Kenyan culture and spirit. He explained that the government at the time wanted the booklet to be dominated by the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.

"I decided to showcase the Kenyan shield and animals at the bottom going through the double spread of the booklet," he indicated.

Howell was making a presentation to the delegates that included President William Ruto and ministers of interior across the continent.

On his part, Ruto disclosed that he was impressed with the presentation noting that there was an opportunity for the government to partner with the designer in the future.

However, he added that the designer needed to work with other Kenyans, especially the youth who would then tap into his expertise.

"We are willing to work with you only if you are willing to work with our young people" he added.

Apart from the passport, Howell also designed the old Kenyan notes - those with photos of President Daniel Moi.

Howell's expertise has also been tapped by foreign governments when developing their passports including the United Kingdom (UK), Qatar, Rwanda, and Afghanistan. He is also the brains behind the United Nations (UN) passports.

"I am an experienced Senior Designer with a demonstrated history of working in the international trade and development industry. Secure Graphic Design and JSP Jura. Currency design and Passports, ID cards and fiscal stamps. Lead Designer for current Estonia EPP, previous UK Passports, Qatar, Jordan, UN, Kenya, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Kiribati and Antigua & Barbuda.

"Excellent in Adobe Creative Suite, Fine Art, Film Production, Art Direction, Communication, Page Layout, Project management, Photography and Typography," read his LinkedIn profile.

  

President William Ruto addressing Kenya Kwanza legislators at State House on May 23, 2023.
President William Ruto addressing Kenya Kwanza legislators at State House on May 23, 2023.
PCS