Government admits to have problem in passport printing machines

Directorate of immigration services on Tuesday announced the inconvenience caused in passport processing due to breakdown of a printing machine and disruption in the supply of essential materials.

“Due to breakdown of a printing machine and disruption in the supply of essential materials, we are currently experiencing delays in the processing of passport application,” Directorate of immigration stated.
The ministry also apologizes to applicants and anyone who was affected by the delay adding that their staff is working harder to reinstall normal services and clear the backlog of pending passport applications as soon as possible.
“Our staff are working round the clock to reinstall normal services and clear the backlogs of pending passport,” it charged.
This raised concern to CS interior Kithure Kindiki who last week directed the immigration department to process the entire pending passport application within 21 days to clear the existing backlog.
CS further demanded that all future passport application be completed within 7 days, while emergency application will be considered and processed within 24 hours.
However, the CS reassured the public that they are taking swift action to address the situation. He stated that the government will help clear the back log of 60,000 booklets that have been delivered to the department, with priority given to the 42000 pending applications.
The government also promised to fix the faulty printing equipment within 7 days.
Despite the directive, Kindiki urged citizen to be patient and allow time for the department to process the application. The government 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 passport within 24 hours.
The government decision to address the issue of the passport backlog comes amid growing concerns about the challenges facing those seeking immigration services.