This archive report was first published on 29 August 2019.
The Immigration Department in Kenya has taken a significant step towards streamlining passport collection by introducing a digital system. As of August 29, 2019, applicants will be required to book appointments through the e-citizen portal before visiting the centres to collect their ready passports.
According to the directive, applicants will need to specify the date and time they wish to collect their passport in the appointment request. This move aims to reduce congestion at the passport processing centres, which have been plagued by long queues.
Applicants will be required to present the appointment slip, original national identification card, and expired or old passport (if making a replacement) to collect their new documentation. Exemptions will be made for public officials, business executives with urgent assignments abroad, sick people, and students.
The new system is part of the Immigration Department's efforts to address the challenges faced by passport applicants. The department has also extended the deadline for travel on the new e-passports from August 31 to March 1, 2020.
The new e-passport is enhanced with an Automated Fingerprint Verification System to minimize fraud. Kenya started issuing single electronic East African Community (EAC) passports in August 2017, replacing the ordinary ones.
