Starting from May 1, 2024, Kenyans applying for passports will receive their travel documents within 21 days of application, announced Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki.
The announcement follows the recent commissioning of two new passport printing machines at Nyayo House. These machines are expected to significantly increase passport production, with a capacity to churn out about 600 passports per hour.
The move is part of the Interior Ministry’s objective to double the number of passports issued in 2024 to at least one million, up from 533,000 in 2023.
In a statement released to news outlets on Thursday, Kindiki outlined a phased reduction in passport processing times. Beginning August, the processing period will decrease to seven days, further reducing to just three days effective November.
“Effective May 1, 2024, all applicants for the Kenyan passport will receive them within Twenty-One (21) Days from the date of application,” stated Kindiki.
“This period will be reduced to Seven (7) Days effective August 1, 2024 and to Three (3) Days effective November 1, 2024,” he added.
Acknowledging the surging demand for passports among Kenyans, Kindiki assured that measures have been taken to enhance infrastructure, systems, and staffing at Nyayo House to ensure timely service delivery.
Moreover, Kindiki affirmed the ministry’s commitment to combating corruption within the immigration sector.
“17 public servants and members of the public who were part of an organized criminal gang which took advantage of the situation to extort Kenyans have been arrested and are facing criminal charges,”he stated.
“The fight against corrupt practices within the Immigration space will remain a continuous process until the public can access immigration services without having to corrupt anybody.”
