The Ministry of Interior, State Department for Immigration has announced that the passport printer at Nyayo house has broken down again.
In a statement, the DIS faulted the issue on the disruption in the supply of essential materials. The directorate however assured Kenyans that they were working round the clock to resolve the issue.
"Due to a breakdown of a printing machine and disruption in the supply of essential materials, we are currently experiencing delays in 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 statement reads in parts.
Additionally, the directorate urged Kenyans seeking urgent passports to avail documentary proof of urgency through respective channels.
"Applicants seeking urgent passports are reminded to contact us with documentary proof of urgency on the following channels: WhatsApp: +254 796 374 902, hotline +254110922065, call centre +254110923423," they added.
@ImmigrationDept @nganganix The Directorate of Immigration Services is working on clearing the backlog in passport applications. pic.twitter.com/FuGHVhKYvy— Immigration Services | Kenya (@ImmigrationDept) June 6, 2023
Earlier Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Professor Kithure Kindiki had announced that 42,000 passport applications backlog would be resolved within three weeks.
At the time, the CS noted that the faulty printer had been fixed.
He also announced that Kenyans applying for passports would receive them within seven days.
"To unlock the backlog within the Immigration department, I have directed that the 42,000 pending passport applications be processed within 21 hours. Thereafter, all applications must be processed within 7 days," Kindiki said.
"I plead for patience from all those seeking services at the Immigration department. Within 7 days, the faulty printing equipment will be fixed. 60,000 booklets were delivered last Friday and will be used to deal with the backlog of 42,000 passport applications," he added.
