Eastleigh residents seeking treatment and education abroad decry passport processing woes
In Eastleigh, Nairobi, the persistent challenges in the Kenyan passport processing system are causing heightened distress, especially among residents seeking travel documents for critical medical treatments and educational pursuits.
In Eastleigh, Nairobi, the persistent challenges in the Kenyan passport processing system are causing heightened distress, especially among residents seeking travel documents for critical medical treatments and educational pursuits. Despite assurances from the Interior Ministry three months ago to resolve passport processing delays, the situation remains dire.
The Immigration department cites a breakdown in printing machines and a shortage of essential materials as the primary causes of ongoing delays, with Nyayo House, a key immigration facility, significantly affected.
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Applicants, including those urgently requiring passports for medical treatments or educational opportunities abroad, are expressing frustration over the prolonged processing times. Amina Barwaaqo, who applied for her passport in June for a scholarship abroad, voiced her concerns, stating, "Every time I check, I’m told it's in process."
Despite reports of shorter queues at immigration offices, applicants are being advised to await communication from immigration authorities or track the progress of their applications online to minimize physical visits to Nyayo House.
Residents of Eastleigh, particularly those urgently seeking passports for medical treatments in India or educational pursuits, are expressing heightened frustration over the lack of efficiency and communication from government authorities. Aden Ahmed, another applicant, lamented, "I applied in November, I’m supposed to travel to South Africa in December, but I’m now faced with uncertainties."
Promises made by Prof Kithure Kindiki earlier about resolving delays with new equipment remain unfulfilled, as there is no official communication regarding the current state of passport processing.
The ongoing challenges highlight the urgent need for intervention to address technical glitches, shortages, and overall inefficiencies in the passport application process, especially for those with imminent medical and educational needs. Abdi Hussein, seeking a passport for his father scheduled to travel to India for treatment, underscored the critical nature of the delays in passport processing.
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