A backlog of 58,000 passports, prompted the government to unveil fresh measures. The Ministry of Interior implemented double shifts, running from 7 am to 7 pm and 7 pm to 7 am, to enhance efficient passport printing processes.
The government of Kenya has successfully reduced the passport processing backlog from a staggering 58,000 to a much more manageable level with the implementation of new measures. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki’s proactive approach has yielded impressive results, as the Ministry of Interior introduced double shifts and other efficiency-enhancing measures to expedite passport printing and issuance.
Earlier this month, the passport backlog had reached a critical point, with 58,000 applications pending, causing distress among citizens awaiting their travel documents. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the government took swift action by unveiling a series of fresh measures. One of the most impactful changes was the introduction of double shifts at passport processing centers, with operations running from 7 am to 7 pm and 7 pm to 7 am. These extended hours were aimed at significantly improving the efficiency of passport printing.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki did not mince words when he issued a directive to clear the massive passport backlog within a mere 10 days. This bold target set the stage for an intensified effort to address the issue promptly.
The government’s efforts, spearheaded by CS Kindiki, seems to have borne fruit. Kindiki has announced that the Department of Immigration and Citizen Services has substantially reduced the daily backlog of passport processing. Since the implementation of these new measures, an impressive 3,500 to 4,000 passports are processed daily, signaling a remarkable turnaround from the previous backlog crisis.
In line with the government’s commitment to transparency and efficiency, Kindiki emphasized that clearing the passport backlog and eradicating corruption within the passport issuance system remain top priorities. These efforts he says, are crucial to ensuring that citizens receive their travel documents without unnecessary delays or complications.
As the passport processing situation continues to improve, CS Kindiki revealed that next week, the government will announce a time frame for citizens to pick up their ready passports. This initiative aims to streamline the passport collection process, ensuring that those who have been waiting for their travel documents can receive them promptly.
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