Over 87,000 passports printed but yet to be collected - PS Bitok

Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has revealed that the government has so far printed over 87,000 passports that are yet to be collected by their applicants.

PS Bitok spoke on Friday during a consultative meeting with the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) chaired by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei at the Kenya School of Government (KSG) in Lower Kabete.

He assured the public that the issue of corruption within the Immigration Department is a thing of the past and encouraged Kenyans to visit the facility for passport collection, emphasizing quick turnaround times.

“I want to tell the country that we have been able to turn around immigrations and that right now Immigration is a corruption-free zone and that we are doing everything possible to ensure that Kenyans are able to get their passports within seven days,” PS Bitok said.

“We have cleaned the place and we are happy to inform the country that feel free to come for your passport and don’t pay anything to get your passport.”

The PS also revealed that the planed roll-out of the national digital system dubbed Maisha Namba is well on -course.

He noted that the digital identity will play a vital role in eliminating corruption, improving service delivery, and boosting revenue for the government.

The meeting involved 8 Regional Commissioners; 47 County Commissioners and 372 Deputy County Commissioners.

Also present were senior officials and Heads of Departments and SAGAs within the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.