The government is set to spend Ksh3.6 billion to ease the issuance and printing of passports in the country as more Kenyans complain of the delay in accessing the crucial document.
According to the government, Ksh800 million shall be spent to modernise the process, this includes purchasing printers and other necessary equipment to churn out more passports.
On the other hand, the government will spend Ksh2.8 billion to establish 10 passport control centres whose goal is to enhance the prompt issuance of e-passports.
"The project targets to establish 10 passport control centres both locally and abroad to meet the high demand for e-passports," read part of the report.
As outlined in the fourth Medium Term Policy 2024-2027, the government shall spend Ksh200 million for printers each year between 2025-2027 to realize the dream.
On the other hand, on establishing the control centres, the government is expected to spend Ksh700 million from 2025-2027. The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services will lead these two projects.
Notably, the issuance of passports is among the issues raised by Kenyans to the Ministry of Interior. A section of Kenyans complain that most are forced to offer a bribe to get it in time.
Per the National Ethics and Corruption Survey released by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Wednesday, March 27, bribes paid amounted to Ksh74,728 to access passports for the financial 2022/23.
The Ministry of Interior was ranked the most corrupt per the survey. The Ministry of Health and Transport followed.
Meanwhile, per the MTP report, a total of 389,798 e-passports were issued which surpassed the 250,000 target set. However, the government seeks to increase this number.
“The project's objective is to fast-track issuance of passports and reduce backlog through the acquisition of high capacity passport printers,” read part of the report.
One of the measures taken by the government was increased working hours at the Nyayo House from the 8 am-5 pm shift to 7 am to 7 pm to serve more Kenyans.
