Kindiki Leads Crackdown On All Passport Cartels

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki announced on Friday, February 23 that a fresh crackdown has been launched on government officials accused of accelerating passport delays.

In a statement, the CS lamented that many years of low investment in the passport production infrastructure, piling supplier debts, and corrupt practices continue to undermine the government’s program initiated in 2023 to transform the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services. 

"Many Kenyans continue to experience pain and frustration as they seek passports to facilitate their movement beyond our borders for whatever reason. As a result, many of our people have lost employment opportunities, while many others cannot travel for medical care, education, business or leisure. 

"The prevailing state of affairs is inexcusable, considering that it is the right of every Kenyan to acquire citizenship documents, including travel documents. As the Cabinet Secretary on whose role issuance of passports falls, I take responsibility for the slow pace of reforms, and the prevailing systemic inefficiencies," he wrote in part.

Kindiki underscored the government's commitment to conclusively resolve the matter and create efficient and timely service delivery in the shortest time possible, adding that arrangements have been made to secure the required funds and settle the outstanding supplier debts. 

"Beginning this morning, a crackdown has been commenced to identify all corrupt officials. Those found culpable will be removed from service and held personally accountable by prosecution and surcharged," the CS announced.

"I respectfully appeal for a little more patience from the people of Kenya to conclusively resolve this matter."

Kenyans have been experiencing passport delays in recent months with some having to wait for the precious travel documents for over six months.

This has prompted the government to procure new printing machines to speed up the production of passports and eliminate the backlog.

Meanwhile, Kindiki's statement came amidst reports that he and his Ministry were put on the spot by President William Ruto over the incessant passport delays during the National Executive Retreat in Naivasha.