Nyayo house dark secrets and why passport printing isn’t happening in 2024
Nyayo House has been the center of attention lately. The building houses the headquarters of Immigration responsible for printing passports, alien cards, and Visas.
In 2023, the Cabinet Secretary of Internal Security Kithure Kindiki promptly visited the passport office and cornered the cartels. Through the raid, the DCI (Directorate of Criminal Investigations) was able to arrest 15 people and charge them with corruption.
After the arrest, the passport control office started working day and night to issue passports. Barely six months down the line, the issuance of passports has stagnated with massive corruption reported inside the buildings.
In February 2024, Kithure Kindiki issued another stern warning to the cartels soliciting bribes to issue at Nyayo house.
The government recently announced massive jobs for Kenyans to work abroad. A passport is one of the requirements to apply for such jobs. With passport printing machines not working in Nyayo House, the majority of job seekers have been forced to miss the job opportunity.
As the interior Cabinet Secretary promises to clean the passport control office in Nyayo House, we are hopeful that Kenyans will be issued with passports and travel without having to bribe employees and middlemen to get the document
History of Nyayo House
The construction of the Nyayo house began in 1979 after the Late President Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi took office. It was designed by Ngotho Architects, Ministry of Public Works and later constructed by Laxmanbhai Construction.
The building was officially completed in 1983. Initially, the building was constructed to house the Nairobi Province headquarters. Things started taking a different route when it was officially handed to the government.
In 1982, there was an attempted coup to overthrow President Moi. After opening the Nyayo House, it became the torture chamber for political prisoners, activists, and anyone who opposed President Moi.
Throughout the 24-year rule of Late President Moi, the Nyayo House underground floors acted as detention and torture chambers. The situation was so bad that some detainees like Ochieng Kabaselleh died shortly after being released.
Some detainees like Koigi wa Wamwere, Wahome Mutahi, George Anyona, and Raila Odinga were lucky to walk from Nyayo’s house alive.
Since then, Nyayo House has been associated with massive corruption from the Moi era. Surprisingly, the house has lived up to its name. The current Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has on several occasions said that he will clear the cartels enabling corruption in the building.
Conclusion
Nyayo House was constructed to further the symbol of Nyayoism. But after it was handed over to the government, it became torture chambers that claimed the lives of political prisoners, activists, and even musicians.
Fast forward to 2024 and there’s massive corruption in the issuance of passports. Law-abiding Kenyans are forced to part away with extra money to get their passports printed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens at Nyayo House?
Nyayo House houses the passport control office among many government offices. During the Moi era, it used to be torture chambers for political prisoners.
What departments are in the Nyayo House Nairobi?
Nyayo House has several departments including border control, immigration, and regulation of persons among many others.
How do I contact the Immigration office in Kenya?
You can drop them an email at dis@immigration.go.ke or info@immigration.go.ke. Additionally, you can also visit their offices at Nyayo House ground floor.
What is the corruption at the Nyayo House?
Nyayo House houses the passport control office and there have been several cases of corruption. In 2023, DCI (Directorate of Criminal Investigations) arrested 15 people for soliciting bribes in return for the issuance of passports.
What time is lunch at the Nyayo House?
Lunchtime at Nyayo house is usually between 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. During the lunch hour, most offices are temporarily closed and resume after the lunch break.
How many floors does Nyayo House have?
Nyayo house has a total of 27 floors and is 84 meters high. The construction began in 1979 after the Late President Moi took office.
Who designed Nyayo House?
Nyayo House was designed by Ngotho Architects in the 1970s. It was later constructed by Laxmanbhai Construction.