Interior CS Prof Kithure Kindiki has directed the Immigration department to process all pending passport applications within 21 days to clear the existing backlog.
He further demands that all future passport applications be completed within 7 days while emergency applications will be considered and processed within 24 hours.
In a statement on Wednesday, the government acknowledged the challenges facing the Immigration department, citing faulty printing equipment and an overwhelming number of applications.
However, the CS kindiki reassured the public that they are taking swift action to address the situation.
Additionally, it will help clear the backlog. There are 60,000 booklets that have been delivered to the department with priority given to the 42,000 pending applications. The government also promised to fix the faulty printing equipment within 7 days.
Despite the directive, the government urged citizens to be patient and allow time for the department to process the applications.
They assured the public that every effort is being made to ensure that individuals who require emergency services such as medical and educational services receive their passports within 24 hours.
The government’s decision to address the issue of the passport backlog comes amid growing concerns about the challenges facing those seeking immigration services. The new directive, if successfully implemented, is expected to ease the burden on the Immigration department and improve service delivery to citizens.
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