Immigration department facing delays in passport applications due to broken machine

File image of a Kenyan passport.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, The Directorate of Immigration Services, who are mandated to issue Kenyan passport and travel documents, stated that the delays have been prompted by a breakdown of a printing machine and disruption in the supply of essential materials.

"We regret the inconvenience caused and take this opportunity to convey our sincere apologies to the applicants and to anyone else affected by the delay," said the statement.

"Our staff are working around the clock to reinstall normal services and to clear the backlog of the pending passport applications as soon as possible."

The reported delays follow a directive issued by the Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki on May 31, where he said he had ordered clearance of the current backlog of 42,000 passports within the next 21 days and thereafter begin issuing the travel document within 7 days.

He pointed out that the current backlog had been occasioned by the breaking down of the printing machine.

"I plead for patience from all those seeking services at the Immigration department. Within 7 days, the faulty printing equipment will be fixed. 60,000 booklets were delivered last Friday and will be used to deal with the backlog of 42,000 passport applications," said Kindiki.

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