Government to Establish Malindi Passport Office to Ease Access for North Coast Residents
The administrator also spoke on the rising cases of violent attacks on elderly people who have been accused of being witches,
The Deputy County Commissioner noted that the centre would specifically help youths from the region who are interested in seeking work abroad, mostly in the Gulf nations. Photo/ Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
The government will launch a passport processing center in Malindi early next year, in a major move to improve access to vital travel documents for the residents of the North Coast. The announcement was made by Deputy County Commissioner David Lusava during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Gede Primary School in Malindi Division on Monday.
Lusava said the State Department for Interior and Citizen Services’ decision is aimed at lowering the workload of residents who are forced to travel long distances to Mombasa or Nairobi to obtain passports. He assured the new office will be operational early next year, and residents can apply and collect their passports locally. “Through the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, we are in the final process of opening a passport office in Malindi,” he said. “Once this is realized, applicants will no longer have to endure the cost and inconvenience of traveling to other towns.”
The Deputy County Commissioner noted that the centre would specifically help youths from the region who are interested in seeking work abroad, mostly in the Gulf nations. He explained that a majority of them have been denied work opportunities due to delayed passport acquisition, something the government now wishes to eliminate.
At the same event, Lusava urged the locals to make use of the newly opened land registry office in Malindi town. He urged landowners to collect their outstanding title deeds since the documents can be used as a valuable collateral while applying for bank loans to start or expand businesses.
He also sent a clear message to those involved in drug dealing, saying that the government would not tolerate any form of criminality that destroys the lives of the youth. “Those who distribute and sell drugs will feel the full force of the law,” he warned.
Reacting to another problem, Lusava condemned the encroachment on private property, observing that such cases were hampering the growth of Malindi Airport. He blamed the unwarranted compensation of squatters who had invaded land set aside for public undertakings, describing it as a waste of public funds.
The administrator also spoke on the rising cases of violent attacks on elderly people who have been accused of being witches, citing a recent incident of arson in which a house was set ablaze. He urged the residents to reject destructive superstitions and beware of commercialized preachers, referring to the Kwa Binzaro cult as a stain on the community’s reputation.
Malindi Sub-County Administrator Juliet Mapenzi Ruwa, representing Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, highlighted ongoing development projects in the area and encouraged parents to guide their children during the long school holidays.
Anti-drug crusader Famau Mohamed Famau called for the government to intensify the fight against drugs, while Reverend Alfred Mwadzidze of Gede Pastors Fellowship challenged pastors to seek proper theological training and belong to local fellowships for accountability. The locals, through Jefwa Yaa, also demanded upgrades in Gede Health Centre, roads, and electricity connections.
Before the celebrations began, the players observed a moment of silence in memory of late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, who was laid to rest on Sunday in Bondo, Siaya County.
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