In a bold move, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has initiated a crackdown on corrupt government officials responsible for delays in issuing passports. Kindiki declared, “Beginning this morning, a crackdown has been commenced to identify all corrupt officials. Those found culpable will be removed from service and held personally accountable by prosecution and surcharged.”

The delays in passport issuance, affecting Kenyans seeking urgent travel documents for medical, educational, and leisure purposes, have been attributed to debts owed to suppliers and poor investments in passport printers. Kindiki acknowledged, “The prevailing state of affairs is inexcusable… As the cabinet secretary on whose role issuance of passports falls, I take responsibility for the slow pace of reforms and the prevailing systemic inefficiencies.”

To address the issue, the government has procured new printing machines to speed up production and clear the existing backlog. Kindiki assured, “Arrangements have been made to secure the required funds and settle the outstanding supplier debts.”

The crackdown comes shortly after President William Ruto’s warning to Kindiki and the Ministry over passport delays during a recent government retreat in Naivasha.