Interior CS Kindiki takes responsibility for passport crisis, launches fresh crackdown

Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki has taken accountability for the delays in issuance of passports at Nyayo House that he attributes to corruption.

In a statement issued on Friday, the CS asked Kenyans for patience to resolve the “inexcusable” delays, asserting that the government would resolve the matter soon.

He further recognized the “pain and frustration” Kenyans face due to the prevalent delays as it limits them from travelling outside the country.

“The prevailing state of affairs is inexcusable, considering that it is the right of every Kenyan to acquire citizenship documents, including travel documents. 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,” he stated.

“Many Kenyans continue to experience pain and frustration as they seek passports to facilitate their movement beyond our borders for whatever reason. As a result, many of our people have lost employment opportunities, while many others cannot travel for medical care, education, business or leisure.”

The Interior CS additionally cited low investment in the passport production infrastructure, piling supplier debts, and corrupt practices as what impedes with the government’s program to change the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services.

Kindiki stated that the government has begun a move to reveal the corrupt officials in the Immigration department and ensure that they are apprehended and charged.

“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,” Kindiki said.

The CS’s statement comes a week after Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura explained the passport delays, attributing it to the shortage in supply of the 34-page booklets.

"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," said Mwaura then.