Kindiki takes responsibility for passport issuance delays, orders crackdown on corrupt officials

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has said he takes full responsibility for the slow pace of reforms and the prevailing systemic inefficiencies in passport issuance.

In a statement on Thursday, the CS also ordered a crackdown on corrupt officials at the Immigration Department to face action which includes dismissal for undermining reforms.

"Those found culpable will be removed from service, and held accountable by the prosecution and surcharged," CS Kindiki said after meeting with officials at Nyayo House.

He also added that many Kenyans continue to experience pain and frustration as they seek passports to facilitate their movement.

"As a result, many of our people have lost employment opportunities, while many others cannot travel for medical care, education, business or leisure."

The CS noted that it has been years of insufficient investment in production infrastructure, accumulating supplier debts, and corrupt practices that have hindered the government's transformation program for the department.

But he has since committed to conclusively resolving the challenges surrounding passport issuance.

"The Government undertakes to conclusively resolve this matter and create efficient and timely service delivery in the shortest time possible. Arrangements have been made to secure the required funds and settle the outstanding supplier debts," Kindiki said.

He urged Kenyans to be patient as the ministry sorts out the passport issue at Nyayo House.

"I respectfully appeal for a little more patience from the people of Kenya to conclusively resolve this matter," he said.

On February 15, government spokesman Isaac Mwaura advised Kenyans with urgent passports need to apply for the 50-page document due to delayed delivery on the 34-page one.

"The shortage has been caused by slow delivery of the booklets by the supplier. The documents are usually printed outside the country for security reasons, leaving only the applicant's bio-data page to be printed locally upon application," he said

Mwaura explained that the existing printing machine at Nyayo House has continued to experience challenges, adding that the government had already procured two new machines to address the same.