Kenyans can now make requests for urgent passport application processing via Twitter, email or phone. In a statement by the Directorate of Immigration Services, applicants wishing to expedite their passport application can now do so through a dedicated hotline (+254 110 922 065), or by calling the directorate’s call centre (+254 110 923 423). They can also WhatsApp at +254 796 347 902, email info@immigration.go.ke, or engage them on their Twitter handle at @ImmigrationDept.

Those who prefer a physical engagement can visit counter 16 or 17 at the passport section of the Directorate headquarters at Nyayo House. Applicants can visit between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday. The announcement follows a recent surge in demand for Kenyan passports, particularly the 34-page A-series type. Consequently, this led to a shortfall in blank passport booklets which triggered a huge backlog of pending applications.

More than 63,000 applicants, mainly Kenyans seeking jobs outside the country and students enrolling in foreign institutions risked losing out. Thanks to a consignment of over 100,000 new booklets that just arrived in the country, many anxious applicants can now breath a sigh of relief. The Immigration and Citizen Services PS, Prof Julius Bitok, promised to clear the backlog within 21 days for those who had applied through the e-Citizen platform. But that is only if applicants can show proof of urgency. The eight-step application process on the platform still remains as follows:

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  1. Register for an e-citizen account
  2. Fill online application
  3. Scan and upload the required documents
  4. Pay prescribed fee
  5. Book your appointment
  6. Print the duly completed application form and two invoices
  7. Attach copies of the required documents and submit
  8. Get your bio-metrics captured on the appointment date

The PS also hinted that the Government was in talks with potential investors to explore setting up a local manufacturing outlet to increase efficiency in passport issuance and lower production costs. Once you make the application, you can track progress via SMS using the 2032 shortcode. Did your urgent passport application go smoothly? Let us know in the comment section below.