The Ministry of Interior has just come out with new guidelines for essential services, and they’re making a big promise to speed up passport processing times. According to the schedule , the ministry is aiming to process all passport applications within just five working days.
The ministry, led by Kithure Kindiki, is taking steps to improve the waiting time for passports. They emphasized, “We believe that input from Kenyan citizens is crucial for providing effective and efficient services.” Currently, there have been frustrating delays in processing applications, with some people waiting over six months for their documents. This has caused problems for those needing to travel abroad for medical treatment or education.
This isn’t the first time the government has tried to speed up passport processing. Back in June, they announced plans to bring in a new printing machine to tackle the backlog. They also promised to process passports within a week, including all the applications from the previous year.However, despite these efforts, the issues with passport processing have continued, resulting in long lines and significant delays for applicants. Some people on social media have even reported being asked for bribes and paying amounts ranging from Ksh5,000 to Ksh15,000 to individuals pretending to be government employees.
The delays have been attributed to corruption within the Department of Immigration and technical problems with the printing machines. The department has been urging applicants with urgent needs to get in touch and provide evidence of their urgency.
But many applicants have faced obstacles, like inactive phone lines, when trying to expedite their applications. In the updated service charter from the Ministry of Interior, it’s also mentioned that foreigners applying for visas online will receive them within 48 hours.