Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has requested patience from Kenyans as his department works to resolve passport processing delays. In a Facebook post, the CS admitted the current situation is “inexcusable” and took responsibility for the “slow pace of reforms.”
“Many Kenyans continue to experience pain and frustration as they seek passports,” he wrote. “As a result, many of our people have lost employment opportunities, while many others cannot travel for medical care, education, business or leisure.”
CS Kindiki blamed years of underinvestment in passport infrastructure, unpaid supplier debts, and corruption by officials for hampering reform efforts started last year. He announced a government crackdown has begun to remove culpable officials.
“Those found culpable will be removed from service, and held personally accountable by prosecution and surcharged,” he pledged.
The CS said arrangements have been made to secure funding and pay supplier debts to accelerate reforms. He vowed the government would “conclusively resolve this matter and create efficiency and timely service delivery in the shortest time possible.”
“It is the right of every Kenyan to acquire citizenship documents, including travel documents,” CS Kindiki stated. “I take responsibility for the slow pace of reforms and prevailing inefficiencies.”
While asking for continued patience, the CS said decisive action would be taken. His commitment to reforms will be welcomed by thousands frustrated by passport delays.
