Immigration to dispose uncollected passports after six months

 

Unpicked passports at the department of Immigration

The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services has announced that it will dispose of all uncollected passports six months from the date of notice (July 31, 2024).

This action, according to the department, aligns with several laws and regulations, including Section 31 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act and Regulations, the Disposal of Uncollected Goods Act (CAP 38), and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations on the delivery of travel documents.

Currently, the department is holding 110,059 uncollected passports in its offices.

This announcement comes amid the department’s successful clearance of the historical backlog of unprinted passports in their systems.

Principal Secretary Julius Bitok stated that achieving this milestone was possible through a series of reforms aimed at decongesting workstations and speeding up service delivery.

He highlighted that the Directorate of Immigration Services (DIS) is continuously reviewing its operations and making significant investments in human resources, modern equipment, and technologies.

“These efforts are intended to enhance efficiency and improve the overall quality of clients’ experiences.”

In a move to further streamline services, the DIS has suspended the requirement for applicants to book an appointment to collect their passports.

Additionally, in line with a Presidential directive aimed at facilitating travel for Kenyans pursuing job opportunities abroad, the DIS has set up dedicated Migrant Labour counters to fast-track passport applications.

Applicants seeking this service are advised to present their documentation, including proof of intent issued by the relevant institution.

These changes underscore the department’s commitment to improving service delivery and ensuring that the processes are efficient and user-friendly for all Kenyans.

Applicants whose names appear in the links below are advised to collect their
passports at the station where they submitted their application.

Nairobi: https://immigration.go.ke/passports-ready-for-collection-in-nairobi/
Kisumu: https://immigration.go.ke/passports-ready-for-collection-in-kisumu/
Embu: https://immigration.go.ke/passports-ready-for-collection-in-embu/
Mombasa: https://immigration.go.ke/passports-ready-for-collection-in-mombasa/
Nakuru: https://immigration.go.ke/passports-ready-for-collection-in-nakuru/
Eldoret: https://immigration.go.ke/passports-ready-for-collection-in-eldoret/
Kisii: https://immigration.go.ke/passports-ready-for-collection-in-kisii/
Bungoma: https://immigration.go.ke/passports-ready-for-collection-in-bungoma/

By Beth Nyaga