Public Service and Human Capital Development Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has unveiled plans to shift passport processing services from Kenya’s main immigration offices to Huduma Centres across the country.

The proposal seeks to decentralise the application process in a bid to ease long-standing issues of congestion, slow turnaround times, and limited access at traditional passport offices such as the heavily burdened Nyayo House.

Speaking during an unannounced visit to Huduma Centres in Kiambu and Thika on Tuesday morning, CS Ruku noted that many Kenyans have long expressed frustration over delays and have persistently called for the inclusion of passport services in Huduma Centres.

“Passport registration is the number one request we get at Huduma Centres. We are working to integrate this service in collaboration with the Immigration Department,” Ruku said.

Currently, Kenya has only nine designated passport processing centres in major towns—Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Embu, Kisii, Bungoma, and Kericho. However, Ruku pointed out that with 58 Huduma Centres spread countrywide, decentralising the services could significantly improve access and efficiency.

“By bringing these services closer to the people, we not only cut down on travel time and expenses but also reduce pressure on existing centres like Nyayo House,” he added.

While some in-person processes such as document submissions may still require visits to core immigration offices, the majority of application and follow-up processes could be handled at Huduma Centres under the proposed plan.

Streamlining Other Vital Services

CS Ruku also announced plans to simplify and expedite the processing of certificates of good conduct. His ministry, he revealed, is working with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that currently delay issuance.

“Some of the current requirements are outdated or time-sensitive. We’re reviewing them to make the process more efficient,” he said.

The government’s push to enhance service delivery through Huduma Centres aligns with its broader goal of digital transformation and decentralised access to essential public services.