Government to reopen Garissa passport office in two weeks - Ruto

The government on Thursday announced the reopening of the Garissa passport office in two weeks.

Addressing hundreds of Garissa residents along Kismayu Road in Garissa town, President William Ruto said operationalising the Immigration office in Garissa was essential to ensure youth could benefit from the government's efforts to help them find jobs abroad.

"In two weeks, the passport office will be reopened, and I will be here in two months to officially open the office," he said.

He mentioned that the government has secured 19 labour agreements abroad, including with Germany, to address the high rate of unemployment.

The president also highlighted that the proposed ICT hubs at the ward level, which will be constructed through the National Government Constituency Development Fund, are part of the broader government efforts to tackle unemployment in the country.

Ruto encouraged youth to obtain their passports and gain sufficient ICT skills to benefit from the government’s initiatives to facilitate the placement of qualified unemployed youth.

Regarding the affordable housing program, he noted that the government has already begun constructing 800 units in Garissa County and pledged to launch another 4,000 housing units in two months.

The president also committed to addressing water and electricity challenges in Garissa County. He warned corrupt government officials misusing public funds that they would be arrested and arraigned in court.

"It's not business as usual. We cannot tax Kenyans and at the same time allow a few individuals to steal from the public coffers. They will be arrested, and they will return the stolen funds," he warned.

He addressed the public immediately after officiating the 5th graduation ceremony of Garissa University.

The Garissa immigration office was closed in 2014 due to heightened terror threats in the region.