Kenya Clears Historical Passport Backlog, Implements Swift Processing for Future Applicants
The achievement was the result of concerted efforts including securing exchequer funding, addressing pending supplier debts, dismantling corruption networks, and upgrading printing equipment to modern, high-capacity systems.

Amb. Prof. Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizens Services
On Monday, May 13, 2024, at Nyayo House in Nairobi, Kenya, a significant milestone was reached as all 724,000 passports comprising the historical backlog accumulated between June 2021 and March 2024 have been successfully printed. Of these, 684,500 have already been collected by their respective holders.
The achievement was the result of concerted efforts including securing exchequer funding, addressing pending supplier debts, dismantling corruption networks, and upgrading printing equipment to modern, high-capacity systems.
Efforts now focus on expediting the collection of the remaining 39,500 passports from the backlog, while maintaining efficient production and delivery systems to ensure sustained reform and operational excellence in archival, record management, registry, and Information Technology functions.
Looking ahead, all new passport applicants can expect to receive their passports within 21 days of application, with urgent cases processed immediately. Beginning August 1, 2024, the waiting period will be further reduced to 7 days, and then to 3 days effective November 1, 2024.
Today’s activities at Nyayo House included a comprehensive service delivery efficiency review meeting, facility inspections of production, registry, and archival departments, and engaging with passport applicants to gather insights for ongoing improvement initiatives.