In a recent announcement, the Directorate of Immigration has issued a crucial notice to all passport applicants: uncollected passports will be disposed of in six months.
Julius Bitok, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, emphasized the necessity of this decision to manage the storage space efficiently within the department.
Why the Urgency?
The Directorate currently holds a staggering 110,059 uncollected passports across its offices.
This accumulation not only occupies valuable space but also complicates the efficient management and delivery of travel documents.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
This disposal action is in accordance with Section 31 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act and Regulations, the Disposal of Uncollected Goods Act (CAP 38), and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations on the delivery of travel documents.
These regulations mandate the proper handling and eventual disposal of uncollected documents to maintain system efficiency and security.
Current Situation and Affected Areas
The uncollected passports are distributed across various offices, with Nairobi holding the highest number at 55,504.
Other offices with significant numbers include Kisumu (11,707), Embu (10,816), Mombasa (8,696), Nakuru (8,615), Eldoret (8,551), Kisii (5,719), Kericho (3,899), and Bungoma (62).
The notice dated July 31, 2024, serves as a final reminder for applicants to collect their passports.
Simplifying Passport Collection
To streamline the collection process and encourage applicants to claim their documents, the Directorate has temporarily suspended the requirement to book an appointment for passport collection.
Applicants are now encouraged to visit the specific station where they submitted their application to retrieve their passport.
This change is part of a broader initiative to enhance service delivery and efficiency within the Directorate.
Support for Kenyans Seeking International Employment
In line with the Presidential directive aimed at supporting Kenyans pursuing job opportunities abroad, the Directorate has established dedicated Migrant Labour counters.
These counters are designed to expedite the processing of passport applications for those seeking employment outside Kenya.
Promoting Transparency and Accessibility
To further assist applicants, the Directorate has implemented several measures to ensure transparency and provide prompt feedback.
One such measure is the introduction of a self-tracking system for passport applications.
Bitok explained that one can find out of their passport application status by sending SMS with their eCitizen tracking number to 22222
This service allows for real-time updates and ensures that applicants are kept informed throughout the process.
Final Call to Action
The clock is ticking, and the Directorate urges all applicants who have yet to collect their passports to do so as soon as possible.
This is not just a matter of convenience but a legal necessity, as uncollected passports will be disposed of six months from the date of the notice.
For those with pending applications, taking immediate action is crucial.
Visit the designated office, present the required documents, and secure your passport.
This proactive approach will not only help clear the current backlog but also ensure that you are prepared for any travel plans or job opportunities that may arise.