E Citizen Passport application 2024 in Kenya
Passport application in Kenya is done online through the eCitizen portal. The process takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour and you’re done. The problem comes after taking your biometrics, you can wait up to 12 or 24 months before getting your passport.
When Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki visited Nyayo house in 2023, things started working out and passports were issued within five to ten days. Fast forward to 2024, only emergency passports are being issued.
According to the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, the passport printer failed, there are no printing materials available and there’s also massive corruption by cartels at Nyayo house.
Currently, there are no booklets to print the 32-page passport. To be on the safer side, apply for the 48-page B series passport.
Passport Application Requirements
Before you begin the application process for a passport, there are documents you need to have to be eligible for a Kenyan passport.
Some of the requirements for passport application in Kenya include:
- National ID
- Original birth certificate
- Colored passport copies (3) with white background
- Parent’s ID copies or death certificate
- Recommenders ID copy
- KRA pin (optional)
- Passport application fee
- Police abstract and sworn affidavit for lost passports
- Explanation letter for mutilated passport
- Old passport for replacement
Scan the above documents and compress them to below 100kbs for every document.
ECitizen Passport Application
eCitizen passport application does not take long. With 30 minutes to 1 hour, you will be done. Follow the steps below to fill out the passport form.
- Fill out the form using the details on your birth certificate, National ID, and parents ID
- Scan the required document in jpeg format and compress them (ensure you have named them, e.g. father ID, birth certificate, ID, etc.)
- Confirm the data entered
- Pay using the bank or Mpesa
- Book your appointment
- Print your application form together with invoices
- Photocopy your documents
- Present your documents for bio-metrics at the Nyayo House immigration department.
Conclusion
Passport application requirements in Kenya ensure that you have everything in hand before beginning the application process. When applying for a passport in 2024, apply for the 48-page B series passport because there are no booklets for the 32-page passport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is a recommender in passport application?
A recommender is anyone who has known you for a long period and is not a member of your family.
What documents do I need to apply for a passport in Kenya?
You will need your origin birth certificate and National ID card, parents ID, and ID copy of the recommender.
How much is a passport in Kenya in 2024?
32 pages which is the smallest passport goes for Ksh 4,550. A medium 48-page passport goes for Ksh 6,050 and a 64-page passport goes for Ksh 7,550.
Why is a Kenyan passport taking so long?
Sources at Nyayo house suggest that the printing machine broke down. Additionally, there’s a shortage of printing materials and massive corruption that delays the issuance of passports.
How long does a passport take to be ready in Kenya?
According to the immigration department, a passport takes 10 working days to be processed. However, the truth is that passports are taking almost 6 to 12 months to be processed.
How can I get my passport faster in Kenya?
If you have an emergency, you can visit the passport control office at Nyayo House with supporting documents and you will be issued with a passport after your case is reviewed and approved.
Can I apply for a passport in Huduma Centre?
No, passports are only processed at Passport control offices across Kenya
What is the difference between an A series and a B series passport?
A series passport has 32 pages and is the smallest type of passport which costs Ksh 4,550. B series is the medium passport that is 48 pages and costs Ksh 6,050
Which countries are visa-free for Kenyan passports?
There are 44 countries where you can visit visa-free with a Kenyan passport. Some of them include the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Barbados, and many others.
How long is a Kenyan passport valid?
The Kenyan passport expires after 10 years whether you have used it or Not. If you’re issued with a passport in 2024, it will expire in 2034.