Things They Do Not Tell You About Getting A Passport In Kenya

On August 31, 2017, the government rolled out the new generation Kenyan e-passport that is to replace the old ones currently in circulation.

The initial deadline for using the old passports was August 31, 2018, but extended to 1st March 2020.

Changes made:

The application is now online

The colors from navy blue to sky blue

The new generation passport has ‘East African Community’ engraved on it in addition to ‘Republic of Kenya’

The smaller top right picture on the biodata page of the new generation passport has a map of Kenya You can now track your passport application status via Twitter

Simply send @ImmigrationDept the tracking number using the hashtag #AskImmigrationKEengraved on it, unlike the current one which is some random circle.

Kenyans in the Diaspora will be able to apply for the new Kenyan passport any one of the following Kenyan embassies and consulates overseas.

Washington DC, US

London, UK

Berlin, Germany

Paris, France

Dubai, UAE

Pretoria, South Africa

How to apply for the new passport:

Access your e-citizen account go to immigration services get the form fill it digitally, in addition, you need a referee someone who is not a direct relative but knows you well, you also need to upload your mothers identification card, your father identification card that is if you select parents information available, your referees identification card, your own identification card, and your birth certificate. The payment is the normal amount.

After payment you will be able to schedule an appointment at Nyayo house on that day print the filled application form there is a section for your referee to sign and your signature also, get three passport photos, print the government invoice, a photocopy of your identification card, birth certificate, and referees identification card and for the parents if available. Also, carry your original documents.

Things that they do not tell you the passport photos you carry have to show your ears, on that day as a man make sure you wear a collared shirt, a lady do not show cleavage wear something official they tell you to go back home. Make sure you go on the date and time of the appointment.

One thing I observed and was also a victim of was earrings when the official picture is being taken you are not allowed to wear earrings on ears, nose anywhere around your face are not allowed there were a lot of ladies who had to start removing earrings including me, Hair that is coming towards your face like fringes are not allowed either one lady had to remove her wig.

Also your birth certificate is just for proof they no longer remain with it , after you take photos and your biometrics are taken  Instantly you get a message notifying you that your application is being processed and you leave

It’s supposed to take eight days for new passports and three for renewals but in reality, it takes about two weeks and renewals one week.

By Katleen Francisca