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Kindiki pledges to clear passports backlog of 1.1m, fight systemic graft

The Kenyan passport. (Photo: File)

By Barack Oduor | 19 Feb 2024

Interior minister says the backlog stands at 1.1 million passports yet the department can only issue 5,000 out of the daily requirement of 20,000.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has acknowledged the existence of deep-rooted corruption at the Immigration Department, saying it hinders the smooth acquisition of passports.

He said the backlog stands at 1.1 million passports yet the department can only issue 5,000 out of the daily requirement of 20,000.

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"Kindiki takes full responsibility for the huge backlog. The other challenge is the deep-rooted corruption at Nyayo House," he said in a statement on Monday, after President William Ruto opened the joint National Executive Retreat and Parliamentary Group consultative meeting in Naivasha, Nakuru County.

"Treasury will immediately release Sh1 billion to print new passports as it will also allow the department to retain Sh5 billion of its monthly collection of Sh20 billion for upgrading and renovating facilities."

Kindiki vowed to lead a ruthless war against corruption in the department by focusing on uprooting chronically corrupt elements. He expressed confidence that ⁠it would take 90 days to clear the backlog and turn things around in the department.

President William Ruto (C) is pictured with government officials attending the joint National Executive Retreat and Parliamentary Group consultative meeting in Naivasha, Nakuru County, on February 19, 2024. (Photo: X/ Kithure Kindiki)

The retreat will evaluate the Kenya Kwanza government's performance, highlighting key achievements since Ruto and Deputy President Riathi Gachagua took office in September 2022.

"The retreat is expected to review the performance of all ministries and State offices and map out the priorities for 2024 that will be codified in the ministerial performance contracts," reads a dispatch issued Friday.

In his opening speech, the President told legislators and government officials to be patient as he pursues change for Kenya.

"I know that sometimes many get discouraged and anxious and that some panic. Many people believe in Kenya so we must not be the ones who will not believe in Kenya," he said.

The retreat is significant as it lays the groundwork for ministerial performance contracts, which will guide the government's agenda and initiatives throughout the year.

Early this month, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura acknowledged challenges operating the printing machine at Nyayo House and announced the procurement of two new ones.

Mwaura urged the public to be patient, assuring that the new equipment would soon facilitate the issuance of 100,000 passports, helping to clear the backlog even as more people apply for the travel document.

He drew parallels with the issuance of the Certificate of Good Conduct, noting a daily demand of 20,000 against a backlog of 700,000.