In a significant development, Prof. Julius Bitok, the Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizens Services, has announced plans to streamline the passport issuance process, ensuring that Kenyan applicants will now receive their passports within a month.
During a public address on Sunday, Bitok disclosed that President William Ruto has intervened to address the persistent delays experienced by Kenyans at Nyayo House, the primary passport processing center.
"President Ruto has entrusted me with the task of ensuring prompt passport issuance to Kenyan citizens. He has personally engaged with Ndindi Nyoro to allocate sufficient resources to streamline the process. Over the next three months, our goal is to eliminate delays and ensure that every applicant receives their passport within one month," Bitok affirmed.
He reiterated President Ruto's commitment to facilitating Kenyans' international travel for employment opportunities, highlighting the government's dedication to this endeavor.
Bitok's announcement comes in response to ongoing frustrations among Kenyan passport applicants, who have endured recurring delays at immigration centers despite previous assurances from the government.
Numerous prospective travelers have been forced to adjust or cancel their plans due to prolonged processing times at immigration offices.
While acknowledging technical issues with the printing machine as a contributing factor to the delays, the government has pledged to expedite resolution efforts. However, tangible improvements have yet to materialize.
Bitok's statement underscores the government's renewed resolve to address long-standing challenges in passport issuance, with a focus on enhancing efficiency and providing timely services to Kenyan citizens seeking international travel opportunities.