Immigration Department Resumes Issuance Of Passports After 48-Hour Halt

• The Kenya Immigration Department halted the application and processing of passports after developing technical hitches
• On Thursday, May 2, the department announced their resumption, urging those who had applied for passports to collect them
• A section of Kenyans have shared their frustrations in booking new collection dates and the burden of receiving the passports

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Kenyan citizens received relief as the Immigration Department announced the resumption of its operations after a two-day halt.

Has printing of passports resumed?

The department announced a temporary suspension of passport application receiving and collection services on Tuesday, April 30.

In a statement released on May 2, the department confirmed the restoration of normal operations that would see Kenyans collect over 58,000 passports as the government intensifies efforts to clear the backlog.

"We are pleased to inform all our clients that we have resumed normal operations in the issuance of passports. We thank you for your patience and understanding during the period that we experienced downtime," read the statement.

Meanwhile, some Kenyans have expressed frustration in obtaining their printed passports.

@Kateayuma said:

"@ImmigrationDept Hello. I am unable to book a date for collection. The calendar is not loading. Could it be an issue with the system? Please check."

@JarrelsMiko reacted:

"I wish someone could intervene in my case. I have been to Nyayo House offices several times, yet all attempts seem to be failing (from email, calls, visits etc.)I have asked whether to upgrade but yet I'm still advised to wait. Your assistance will be highly appreciated."

@clayexecutive1 asked:

"Since visiting Nyayo House on August 2, 2023, and going through the Biometrics process, here we are today. When will I get my passport?"

@AbijahSwalleh01 observed:

"It seems like the SMS notification system for passport issuance might not be working properly, as many people haven't received notifications despite hearing others getting their passports from Nyayo House. Kenyans need a reliable way to trace their passports."

@BhagavanDas10 argued:

"Normal operations here mean waiting for 8 months and under-the-table dealings to fast track."

Govt receives passport printing documents

In March 2024, the government announced the acquisition of more passport printing materials to fast-track the processing of important travel documents.

With the booklets, the department said the issuance of passports would be based on a first-in-first-out basis.

The communication further urged applicants of 34-page passports with urgency to upgrade their passports for faster processing.

What else you need to know about passport application and processing

• Nyayo House promised to clear the passport backlog after acquiring 2 new printers
• A woman broke down after losing two jobs abroad due to passport delays
• The government promised that passport application and collection would take three days from November 2024

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke