The Kenyan government has issued an urgent directive urging citizens to collect their passports from various collection points across the country within the next six months. This announcement, made by the Department of Immigration, highlights the necessity of addressing the growing backlog of unclaimed passports and enhancing the efficiency of the passport issuance system. Uncollected passports have created significant logistical challenges, consumed valuable storage space, and posed security risks.
To tackle these issues, the government has set a strict deadline: passports not collected within the six-month window will be destroyed. This measure aims to motivate citizens to promptly retrieve their passports, ensuring they have the necessary documentation for travel and identification. The directive also underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity and security of identification systems. The government is actively raising public awareness through various media channels, emphasizing the need for timely collection.
To facilitate the process, citizens are encouraged to check the status of their applications, prepare necessary documentation, and visit designated collection points during working hours. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve services, enhance security measures, and ensure a more streamlined and effective passport management system. Failure to collect passports within the specified timeframe will result in the need for reapplication, incurring additional costs and time.
The Department of Immigration remains committed to providing support and assistance to those facing difficulties, aiming to resolve any administrative or logistical challenges promptly. This directive serves as a critical reminder for Kenyans to act swiftly and ensure their essential travel documents are in hand, avoiding the inconvenience and expense of having to reapply.