Kenya Announces Delay In Passport Application Due To Technical Challenges

By Samuel Ouma

Kenya's State Department of Immigration, on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, announced delays in processing passport applications due to the broken machine.

The Directorate of Immigration Services noted in a statement that the delays were caused by a printing machine malfunction and a disturbance in the supply of critical supplies.

“We regret the inconvenience caused and take this opportunity to convey our sincere apologies to the applicants and to anyone else affected by the delay,” read the statement

“Our staff are working round the clock to reinstall normal services and to clear the backlog of pending passport applications as soon as possible.”

On the other hand, those seeking urgent passports have been asked to contact the agency with verified proof of urgency.

As the government works to restructure the immigration agency, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki announced last week that new passport applicants would obtain their travel documents in seven days.

"We have taken immediate corrective action to address that issue.I plead your patience, and we will restore the broken equipment within 7 days, and we already have stocks that arrived on Friday that can help us clear the backlog while also assisting us with the typical ongoing applications," said Kindiki.