Kenya’s Immigration Service Removes Passport Appointment Hurdle Amid 65,000 Backlog

The Kenyan Directorate of Immigration Services (DIS) has suspended the mandatory booking system for passport collection, aiming to fast-track the process for applicants.

Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok announced that at least 65,589 passports remain uncollected across the country, with 30,916 awaiting pickup in Nairobi alone.

Applicants are now urged to visit the immigration centers where they originally submitted their applications to collect their passports directly. This adjustment is part of a larger effort to address the growing backlog caused by surging demand, with DIS introducing advanced printing technology and recruiting more staff to speed up operations.

“The move to eliminate appointment requirements is meant to ease the process for Kenyans and reduce delays,” said Bitok. “We are committed to enhancing transparency and improving service delivery.”

READ MORE: Mark Idiahi Inducted as Ambassador for Youth Development and Entrepreneurship Education in Africa

Regional centers such as Mombasa, Kisii, and Eldoret collectively house over 25,000 uncollected passports. The DIS hopes the new measures, including remodeled service stations with additional counters, will reduce congestion and streamline services nationwide.

In Nairobi, overcrowding at the Nyayo House office has prompted the establishment of new centers in Kericho, Bungoma, and other regions. This expansion seeks to bring passport services closer to underserved areas, ensuring quicker access for applicants across the country.

Additionally, specialized desks for labor migration have been introduced to assist Kenyans seeking jobs abroad in fast-tracking their applications. Applicants can also track their passport status via an SMS service, providing real-time updates and reducing unnecessary visits to immigration offices.

With over 100,000 new passport booklets recently acquired, the DIS is confident it can meet rising demand while maintaining efficiency. Bitok emphasized the importance of timely collection, urging applicants to check the DIS website for updated lists of ready passports and avoid paying bribes for services.