More than 57,000 printed passports remain uncollected at various centres across the country, the Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services, Dr. Belio Kipsang, has disclosed.
Speaking during a visit by the National Assembly Committee on Regional Integration led by Chairperson Irene Mayaka, Dr. Kipsang said the government had made major strides in passport processing, but many applicants had not picked up their documents.
“In 2024 alone, we issued 621,805 passports and have successfully streamlined the issuance process. However, as of June 9, 2025, we still have 57,334 passports that are yet to be collected, despite notifying applicants through text messages,” said Dr. Kipsang.
The visit aimed to assess ongoing reforms introduced to improve passport processing through infrastructure and system upgrades.
Dr. Kipsang outlined several improvements made by the department to enhance service delivery. These include the acquisition of two advanced passport personalization machines, the procurement of one million passport booklets, the hiring of 286 new staff, and the training of officers in customer service and integrity.
However, members of the committee raised concerns about delays in the processing of Work Permits and Permanent Residence applications for foreigners.
Lawmakers expressed concern over the high number of uncollected passports and called on the department to adopt more proactive communication strategies.
Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia said many applicants might be missing out on opportunities abroad simply because they had not received word that their passports were ready.
“Some people apply through Cyber cafés and may not even own mobile phones. You can’t just stay in the office and expect results. Go out and find these people,” Muhia urged.
Committee Chairperson Hon. Irene Mayaka encouraged the department to collaborate with Members of Parliament in sharing such information.
“MPs have strong links with their constituents and can help spread the word. Use the existing communication networks we have on the ground,” she said.
The committee announced plans to conduct a fact-finding mission to the passport section to examine the application, production, and collection process more closely.
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