Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki convened a crucial meeting at Nyayo House with key officials from the Department of Immigration Services to discuss and address the pressing issue of passport application backlog. This meeting was attended by Permanent Secretary Julius Kibet Bitok and Director General Evelyn Cheluget, along with other senior officials. The primary agenda was to assess the progress achieved in the commitment to process and deliver more than 40,000 pending passport applications, especially with only 10 days remaining in the two-week countdown.

The urgency of this situation has prompted dedicated staff at the Nyayo House facility to work tirelessly in day and night shifts. Their relentless efforts aim to ensure that all the pending passport documents are printed and promptly dispatched. This commitment to clearing the backlog reflects the President Ruto’s government dedication to providing efficient services to its citizens, especially in matters as crucial as passport issuance.

In addition to these short-term efforts, the government is actively pursuing long-term measures to enhance the Department of Immigration Services’ systems and processes. Part of this plan includes a strategic budget allocation that will facilitate the acquisition of modern printing equipment and the recruitment of additional immigration officers. These crucial investments will contribute significantly to streamlining operations within the department.

The impact of these measures is far-reaching. Citizens who have been waiting for their passports will benefit from quicker processing times, reducing inconveniences and delays associated with international travel, business, and various personal endeavors. Furthermore, the enhancements to the department’s infrastructure and personnel capacity will foster sustained efficiency, preventing similar backlogs from occurring in the future.

CS Kindiki’s leadership in overseeing these initiatives demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to serving its citizens promptly and effectively. As the passport application backlog steadily diminishes, it is expected that the Department of Immigration Services will emerge stronger and better equipped to meet the evolving needs of Kenyan citizens, both now and in the years to come.