Government Spokesperson Issac Mwaura has announced that the delays in the issuance of passports have been caused by slow delivery of the 34-page passport booklets.
Addressing the media on Thursday, February 15, Mwaura said the booklets are usually printed outside the country for security reasons.
“Kenyans have complained of delayed issuance of passports and I wish to confirm that the problem is being addressed. The problem has persisted because of delayed supply of the 34-page passport booklets which normally goes for Ksh. 4,550.
“The shortage has been caused by slow delivery of the booklets by the supplier. The documents are usually printed outside the country for security reasons leaving only the applicant's Bio-data page to be printed locally upon application,” said Mwaura.
However, the government spokesperson noted that a consignment of the booklets is on the way and will land in the country soon.
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Mwaura urged Kenyans with an urgent need for a passport to apply for the 50-page passport which for for Ksh 6,050.
“In the meantime, those with urgent needs for a passport are advised to apply for the 50-page passports which are in plenty,” Mwaura added.
He also noted that the government is aware of the problem of acquiring identity cards by eligible youths after the court issued an order suspending the production of the 3rd generation Identity Cards.
Mwaura mentioned that the government has appealed the case and will embark on massive production once the court grants the appeal.
“I affirm that once the appeal is granted the government will embark on massive production of the vital identification documents with the aim of clearing the backlog within the shortest time possible. We appeal to those yet to collect their documents to do so, in order to avoid inconveniences in their official as well as private transactions,” Mwaura stated.
