This archive report was first published on 29 August 2019.
As of August 29, 2019, the Department of Immigration Services in Kenya has implemented a new system for collecting e-passports, requiring members of the public to book appointments in advance.
According to the department, applicants must log on to the ecitizen portal to specify the date and time they wish to collect their passports.
Applicants will need to carry the following documents: an appointment slip, original national Identification Card, and the expired or old passport for replacements.
The new booking system aims to minimize the long hours spent in queues, a common issue in the past.
As stated by the department on August 29, 2019, 'You will be required to book an appointment in the ecitizen portal specifying the date and time you wish to collect your passport. Please note that passports are collected at the station where you took biometrics. With this booking system, you will not have to queue for hours to collect your passport.'
Following a similar announcement earlier in the week, e-passport applicants are now required to book appointments through the e-citizen portal before visiting passport processing centres.
The Department of Immigration Services has faced criticism for the long queues experienced at Nyayo House in Nairobi during application and collection of passports.
Investigations have revealed that Kenyans have been compelled to arrive at Nyayo House as early as 4am to avoid the long queues associated with the passport application process.
