NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 23 — The Government has launched a crackdown to zero in on corrupt officials at Nyayo House who have been blamed for delays in the issuance of passports.
The move follows a surge in complaints from Kenyans, despite the government’s assurances to rectify the situation.
Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, issued a stern warning in a statement released on Friday, asserting the government’s commitment to addressing the passport crisis by holding accountable those found complicit.
“Those found culpable will [be] removed from service and held personally accountable through prosecution and surcharges,” CS Kindiki affirmed.
The persistent delays in passport issuance have not only resulted in Kenyans missing out on employment opportunities but have also hindered those seeking medical treatment, education, business ventures, and leisure abroad.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Kindiki deemed the current state of affairs “inexcusable,” emphasizing that every Kenyan has the right to obtain essential citizenship documents, including travel passports.
Inexcusable state of affairs
He took responsibility for the sluggish pace of reforms and acknowledged systemic inefficiencies within the department.
In addition to corrupt practices within the Immigration Department, Kindiki attributed the crisis to years of under-investment in passport production infrastructure, mounting supplier debts, and entrenched corruption.
These factors have undermined the government’s ambitious program aimed at transforming the immigration and citizen services department initiated last year.
Appealing for patience from Kenyan citizens, Kindiki restated the government’s commitment to resolving the matter promptly.
“Efforts have [been] made to secure the necessary funds and settle outstanding supplier debts,” he assured.
Earlier in the day, CS Kindiki held discussions with his Treasury counterpart, Njuguna Ndung’u, to deliberate on financing options for immigration and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) operations, aimed at addressing challenges in passport issuance and the issuance of certificates of good conduct.
