Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang has strongly dismissed allegations that Kenyan passports have been issued to foreign nationals with questionable credentials.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security on March 16, Kipsang assured lawmakers that the country’s immigration system remains secure and strictly adheres to the law.
He termed the claims—linking Kenya to controversial foreign figures—as false and misleading.
Strict Verification Process for Passports
Kipsang emphasized that only verified Kenyan citizens are eligible to receive official identification documents, including passports.
According to him, the process begins with proper documentation such as a national ID or birth certificate, which must be authenticated before any further steps are taken.
“We issue these documents to Kenyans. You cannot get any other document unless you have either an ID or a birth certificate,” he stated.
The PS maintained that the system has built-in safeguards designed to prevent fraud and unauthorized access to Kenyan citizenship documents.
Leaked Document Sparks Controversy
The clarification follows widespread concerns triggered by a leaked internal document from the Directorate of Immigration Services.
The document, shared publicly on February 26 by activist Boniface Mwangi, suggested that several foreign individuals had been considered for Kenyan passports.
Among those named was Zimbabwean businessman Wicknel Chivayo, a controversial figure who has previously been spotted in Kenya and photographed alongside senior government officials.
The document also listed individuals bearing the surname “Hamdan,” raising speculation about possible links to Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Names Linked to RSF Raise Questions
The leaked list included multiple individuals who had allegedly applied for Kenyan passports between 2024 and 2025. These included:
- Mayada Hamdan
- Abdaraheem Hamdan
- Zahraa Hamdan
- Adil Hamdan
- Zarwa Hamdan
- Musa Hamdan Musa
- Algoney Musa
The similarity of the surname to that of RSF leadership intensified public concern, particularly given the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the international scrutiny surrounding the group.
However, Kipsang dismissed any connection, reiterating that due diligence is followed in all applications.
Billions Spent on Immigration Services
During the session, Kipsang also addressed budgetary concerns raised by the committee.
He revealed that the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services had already spent KSh6.78 billion—more than half of its development budget for the 2025/26 financial year—by December 31, 2025.
The PS explained that the high expenditure was due to early access to full-year budget allocations, which funded:
- Production of national ID cards
- Procurement of passport booklets
- Technical services for the eCitizen platform
He noted that these expenditures were necessary to meet contractual obligations and improve service delivery.
Shift to Fully Digital Payments
Lawmakers also raised concerns over reports that the Civil Registration Department was still collecting significant revenue manually.
In response, Kipsang clarified that all payments have now been digitized.
He stated that the department exclusively uses the eCitizen platform, where payments are processed via a paybill system, eliminating the need for manual cash collections.
Future of Identity Management in Kenya
Looking ahead, Kipsang highlighted the importance of the Unique Personal Identifier (UPI) in transforming identity management in Kenya.
He described the UPI as a central pillar in the government’s efforts to streamline citizen registration and enhance data security.
According to the PS, the system will play a critical role in ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the issuance of identification documents.
Growing Public Scrutiny
Despite the government’s assurances, the allegations have sparked significant public debate, with many Kenyans demanding greater transparency in the immigration system.
The controversy underscores the sensitivity surrounding national identity documents, particularly in a region facing complex security and migration challenges.
As scrutiny continues, the government is expected to face increasing pressure to provide further clarity and reinforce public trust in its systems.