Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has announced that starting August 1 this year, Kenyans will receive their passports within three days of application.

Speaking before a National Assembly Committee, Bitok highlighted the need for Ksh5.4 billion to cover the necessary costs to meet this new deadline. This marks a significant improvement from the current situation, where applicants often wait for months.

"With the Ksh5.4 billion funding, there is no reason why Kenyans cannot receive passports within 3 days. We have agreed, including with the CS, that by August 1, Kenyans will receive their passports within this time frame," Bitok stated.

He stressed the ministry's efforts to streamline the application and collection process, noting that collaboration between government entities is essential to achieve this goal.

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This announcement follows Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki's declaration that November 1 was the deadline for ensuring all pending passports are processed. On April 19, Kindiki revealed that his ministry aimed to ensure passports are issued within seven days by August 1. He urged Kenyans to collect their completed passports to help clear the backlog.

On Monday, Kindiki disclosed that 724,000 passports applied for between June 2021 and March 2024 had been printed, with 684,500 already collected. He attributed delays to the National Treasury's slow fund disbursement, necessitating payments to pending suppliers, the purchase of high-capacity printing equipment, and the elimination of corrupt cartels.

"What remains now is to fast-track the collection of 39,500 ready but uncollected passports from the backlog, sustain the production and delivery systems, and ensure the reform program's long-term success. We must also enhance efficiency in archival, record management, registry, and IT management," Kindiki remarked.

Additionally, the Department of Immigration announced that from May 13 to May 17, special measures would be taken to expedite passport distribution. Kenyans in all counties with department offices have been urged to collect their ready passports, with offices open on Saturdays from 9 am to 7 pm to facilitate this process.