Govt Issues New Guidelines for Passport Applications

The Ministry of Interior has released updated guidelines for critical services, including a promise to reduce the processing time for passports. 

According to a schedule circulating in the media, the ministry plans to process all passport applications within five working days. The ministry led by Kithure Kindiki now says that providing superior service hinges on the feedback from Kenyans. According to reports, applicants have sustained delays of over six months Some applicants have reported delays of over six months, preventing them from travelling for medical and education purposes. 

“We, believe that responses from Kenyans are the basic ingredients for effective and efficient service delivery.”

The government previously promised to expedite passport processing in June but the problem persisted. In response to the delays, social media users are alleging bribery by individuals posing as government employees. The delay in passport processing is being attributed to corruption within the Department of Immigration as well as malfunctions with the printing machines. In a statement issued in June, the Interior CS said the backlog was occasioned by the breaking down of the printing machine.

"I plead for patience from all those seeking services at the Immigration department. Within 7 days, the faulty printing equipment will be fixed. 60,000 booklets were delivered last Friday and will be used to deal with the backlog of 42,000 passport applications," said Kindiki. 

The department is asking those with urgent passport needs to contact their offices and provide proof of urgency, but applicants have reported difficulties in doing so due to inactive phone lines and other obstacles. In response, the Interior Ministry has updated its service charter to promise that foreigners who apply for visas online will receive them within 48 hours.