The government has introduced an alternative solution for Kenyans in urgent need of a passport.
This is aimed at addressing the current processing delays. Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura cites a shortage of 34-page passport booklets as the rationale behind the delayed issuance of passports. The lapse is further attributed to the sluggish performance of the booklets’ suppliers. To ensure that the passports are secure, the printing process is outsourced to an overseas location, with only the applicant’s biodata page being processed locally, upon request. To alleviate the issue, Mwaura advises Kenyans to apply for the 54-page passports, which cost Sh6,050 instead of the 34-page passports which cost Sh4,550.
He says that a shipment of the 34-page passports would soon arrive in the country, effectively resolving the issue. Mwaura recommends that individuals with immediate passport requirements should request 50-page passports as they are readily available. Meanwhile, a directive has been issued to halt the creation of third-generation identification cards. Presently, there are 600,000 pending applications for these cards at civil registration offices across the nation, along with an extra 684,000 IDs that have not been retrieved by applicants.
To tackle this backlog, the government is encouraging individuals to go to the assigned location and retrieve their identification cards. Kenyans need to do this to prevent any disruptions in their official and personal dealings. The government recently acknowledged the delay in passport issuance and declared that they have finalized the acquisition of two more printing machines. The immigration offices anticipate the arrival of these machines before March. The public is strongly advised to claim the 70,000 uncollected passports, with 100,000 more being produced.
