The government has introduced a specialized counter to expedite passport applications for Kenyans who have secured jobs overseas.
This initiative follows President William Ruto’s recent pledge that Kenyans finding employment abroad would receive their passports within a week.
Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok explained that this new service aligns with the administration’s commitment to ensuring Kenyans can acquire travel documents “conveniently and promptly.”
On Thursday, Bitok highlighted that the newly established Migrant Labour counters are designed to fast-track these applications.
For urgent passport processing, Bitok advised applicants to submit necessary documents, including proof of employment intent from relevant institutions.
During a roadside rally in Taita Taveta on July 28, President Ruto disclosed that more than 1,000 Kenyans depart each week for international job opportunities, with the State Department of Labour’s online directory listing 400,000 job openings.
Ruto assured that those who secure jobs abroad will receive their passports within a week, with their flight costs covered by the government and their employers.
To enhance transparency and feedback, the Immigration Department has introduced self-tracking options.
Applicants can check their passport application status by texting their eCitizen tracking number to 22222.
To address the backlog, Bitok’s office is overhauling its operations and investing in new resources, including personnel, equipment, and technology.
These efforts have already cleared the historical backlog of unprinted passports. Currently, 110,059 passports remain uncollected, with Nairobi holding the highest number at 55,504, followed by Kisumu with 11,707.
To simplify the collection process, the Ministry has eliminated the appointment requirement for picking up passports.
Bitok also announced that uncollected passports will be disposed of after six months to free up storage space.
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