Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Thursday affirmed that if need be, he will declare Nyayo House in Nairobi a crime scene following numerous reports of corruption relating to processing of passports.
While appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Security, Kindiki asserted that Nyayo House, the facility housing the Directorate of Immigration Services, had unfortunately transformed into a hub for individuals preying on those in pursuit of obtaining new passports.
He warned that the corruption situation at Nyayo House had reached alarming levels, noting that the situation had become a huge inconvenience for a different sections of Kenyans, including young graduates who are looking for opportunities out the country.
"I have received a lot of complains from Kenyans who are looking for passports. This is very unfortunate and cannot be allowed to continue unabated.
"The President has also received a number of complaints even from his counterparts within the region and overseas over deliberate attempt to delay passport processing," Kindiki lamented.
Kindiki's allegations have been echoed by the MPs, who complained about the state of corruption at Nyayo House. The MPs noted that Kenyans are being forced to part with as high as Ksh10,000 in order to get passports processed.
"I would like to inform your committee that I will take leadership on the matter in cleaning up the mess at Nyayo House. I have received credible intelligence on the officers who taking part in such corrupt activities," Kindiki revealed.
He noted that such actions undermine public trust in the government and make it more difficult for Kenyans to get the services they need.
Consequently, he said the government must take steps to investigate these allegations and hold those responsible to account.
"I have admitted that we have a problem in the Immigration Department. But I must say that there are also good officers who are serving patriotically," Kindiki noted.
In addition to the allegations of corruption, Kindiki stated that there have also been complaints about the long delays in processing passports at Nyayo House.
He acknowledged that some people have waited for months to get their passports, and others have been turned away without being given a reason.
"I have sometimes done impromptu visits, and you will find Kenyans queuing from as early as 6am, all the way to Teleposta Towers.
"I have this week had a very candid discussion with Principal Secretary, and I can assure you that I will clean this up," Kindiki stated.
Professor Kindiki observed that the long delays make it difficult for Kenyans to travel, and they can also have a negative impact on businesses. He assured that the government has taken steps to address the long delays in processing passports.
