NAIROBI, Kenya — More than 57,000 printed passports remain uncollected across Kenya, raising concerns among lawmakers over public awareness and communication gaps within the Immigration Department.
Immigration Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang disclosed the figure on Monday while briefing members of the National Assembly’s Regional Integration Committee, who were on a visit to assess ongoing reforms in the passport issuance system.
“As of 9th June 2025, despite having notified applicants by text messages, we have 57,334 uncollected passports,” Kipsang told the committee, chaired by Nominated MP Irene Mayaka.
The PS attributed the backlog to applicants failing to show up at designated collection centres even after being alerted.
He, however, underscored significant progress in the department’s service delivery, noting that 621,805 passports were successfully issued in 2024 alone.
To boost efficiency, Kipsang said the department has recently acquired two state-of-the-art passport personalization machines and procured one million new passport booklets.
It has also recruited 286 additional staff and conducted internal training focused on integrity and customer service.
Despite these improvements, committee members expressed concern over delays in processing other immigration services, particularly work permits and permanent residency applications for foreigners.
Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia questioned the department’s approach to reaching applicants, warning that many Kenyans who rely on cyber cafés to apply may not have access to mobile phones or may miss notification messages.
“Some of these passports could belong to Kenyans looking for jobs abroad,” Muhia said. “Don’t just sit and operate from your offices — go out of your way to find them.”
Committee chair Mayaka called on the department to collaborate with elected leaders to enhance outreach.
“MPs have established channels of communication with their constituents. You may use them to reach the populace,” she advised.
The committee is scheduled to carry out a fact-finding visit to the passport section to observe firsthand the application, processing, and collection procedures.
