Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki announced Monday a 30-day Rapid Results Initiative to deliver over 87,000 uncollected passports starting next week.
In a statement, Kindiki advised owners of the passports to immediately collect them from designated points in Nairobi and regional immigration offices. The statement said 36,170 unclaimed passports are at Nyayo House headquarters in Nairobi, with thousands more at regional offices.
The distribution of uncollected passports is as follows: Nyayo House (Nairobi) – 36,170; Embu Regional Office – 10,409; Eldoret Regional Office – 9,938; Kisumu Regional Office- 9,515; Nakuru Regional Office- 8,023; Kisii Regional Office- 7,971; Mombasa Regional Office – 5,424.
“Every Wednesday, the Immigration Department will publish a list of all applicants whose passports are due for collection the following week, to streamline the collection process,” Kindiki said.
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The initiative aims to address a historical backlog and prevent future passport collection issues, according to the circular. Kindiki warned those who fail to collect their passports during the period may have them disposed of in accordance with the law and face penalties for future applications.
“Delivery of uncollected passports is an integral part of addressing the historical backlog and to avert a recurrence, the Immigration Department is at the tail end of procuring modern printing equipment that will triple the production of passports,” Kindiki said.
The department said it will continue 24-hour shifts to process and produce passports. It plans to prioritize emergency applications for medical care, students, and those with job opportunities abroad.
The Rapid Results Initiative for unclaimed passports runs through October 25. Kindiki urged applicants to closely monitor notifications to ensure they obtain passports in time for travel and other needs.
