Over 57,000 printed passports remain uncollected, Immigration PS reveals
MPs raised concern about the large number of uncollected passports, warning that many of the applicants could be job seekers, especially those hoping to secure opportunities abroad.
Thousands of passports remain uncollected across Kenya despite efforts by the Immigration Department to streamline the application and issuance process, a senior government official has said.
While speaking to the National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Regional Integration, the Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services, Belio Kipsang, on Tuesday, said that 57,334 passports had not been picked up by applicants as of June 9, 2025.
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This follows a year in which 621,805 passports were issued. He noted that the department had sent out text message alerts to notify successful applicants.
"In 2024, we issued 621,805 passports and have successfully streamlined the passport issuance process. As of June 9, 2025, despite having notified applicants by text messages, we have 57,334 uncollected passports," Kipsang said.
MPs raised concern about the large number of uncollected passports, warning that many of the applicants could be job seekers, especially those hoping to secure opportunities abroad.
Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia said the department should take more responsibility in reaching out to applicants.
"Some of these passports could belong to Kenyans seeking job opportunities abroad. Some of them apply through cybers and may not even have mobile phones. Don't just sit and operate in your offices, go out of your way," she said.
Committee chairperson Irene Mayaka backed the call for wider outreach and suggested that the department should work with elected leaders to reach citizens.
"MPs have established channels of communication with their constituents. You may use them to reach out to the populace," she stated.
In response, PS Kipsang detailed ongoing reforms at the department aimed at improving service delivery.
These include acquiring two high-end passport personalisation machines, procuring one million passport booklets, and recruiting 286 new officers.
Staff are also undergoing in-house training in customer care and integrity.
The committee is expected to conduct a fact-finding mission at the passport section to inspect the application, production, and collection process, as lawmakers seek answers on where the system may be falling short.
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