This archive report was first published on 26 August 2019.
On August 26, 2019, the Immigration Department of Kenya made a significant announcement to address the long queues at ePassport registration centers, particularly in Nairobi. In response to a huge public outcry, the department introduced an appointment system for ePassport applications, allowing citizens to schedule a convenient time and date for their biometric details capture.
Passport applicants can now book an appointment through the eCitizen portal, specifying the date, time, and station that suits them best. This new system aims to make the process easier and more efficient, enabling the Immigration Department to plan and manage the number of applicants visiting the various centers on each day.
Individuals who have already made an ePassport application are required to revisit the eCitizen portal and book their appointments. However, the new system exempts certain groups, including sick individuals in need of urgent medical travel abroad, public servants on pressing official missions, students on scholarships, and business executives who require immediate travel abroad.
