Kenyans who applied for a passport through eCitizen and are waiting for an update or haven’t picked it up yet, can track its status. This is done by texting their eCitizen application reference code to 22222.
2023 was blighted with massive delays in processing government documentation. This included IDs, Police Clearance certificates and Passports. It looks like the wait for passports is about to get shorter. The Directorate has invested in two brand new, high-speed passport printing machines that will be up and running by April 2024. To improve system stability and data security, they’ve also added extra servers.
Further, the Directorate is currently undertaking a comprehensive infrastructural upgrade of its facilities to provide a user-friendly environment and to accommodate the high rise in the number of clients.
The government promises passports will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, if you have a pending application for a 34-page booklet, you can upgrade to a 50-page one online through eCitizen. For such an upgrade, there is no need to physically visit an immigration office.
Yesterday, Principal Secretary, State Department for Immigration & Citizen Services Julius Bitok received new passport booklets. The PS stated that the Ministry is now “primed to efficiently address the passport backlog.”
Kenya received a shipment of 112,700 new passport booklets on Wednesday. This includes 92,400 50-page booklets and 20,300 66-page booklets. They are also expecting a separate shipment of 34-page booklets next month
Going forward, Kenyans can expect to apply and receive their passports within a maximum of 21 days.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki recently appeared before the Regional Integration Committee of the National Assembly. According to the CS, there are currently 1.72 million passport applications waiting to be processed.
The CS also indicated they have launched a crackdown on corrupt staff members.
