Kenyans line up at the Immigration Services passport control offices at Jogoo House, Nairobi. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]
The Directorate of Immigration Services now says it is positive about clearing the backlog in passport applications.
In a statement on Tuesday, June 6, the department, seeking to clear the air on complaints in passport applications, said that the backlog is a result of a breakdown of the printing machine and disruption in the supply of essential materials.
"This has in turn affected the processing of passport applications. We regret the inconvenience caused and take this opportunity to convey our sincere apologies to the applicants and to anyone else affected by the delay," the department said.
Normal services
The Immigration Department which falls under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration further stated that they are working around the clock to resume normal services and to clear the backlog of any pending applications.
At the same time, those seeking urgent passports have been asked to contact the department with documented proof of urgency.
Last week, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki asked Kenyans to be patient as the Government fixes the broken printer at Nyayo House and promised to have the issue resolved in less than a month.
CS Kindiki further promised that new applicants for passports will receive their travel documents after seven days as the government moves to reform the immigration department.
"On the issue of passports, I want to plead for patience as we fix the broken printer in the next seven days," said Kindiki in Nairobi on Wednesday, May, 31.
