The efforts by Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kithure Kindiki to clean up the passports mess at Nyayo House have not borne fruits.

And after his failed attempt to unclog the rot at the immigration department at Nyayo House, the cabinet minister has asked Kenyans for more time. He has also blamed what he has termed as low Investments in passport production infrastructure for the mess.

“Many years of low investment in the passport production infrastructure, piling supplier debts, and corrupt practices continue to undermine the Government’s program initiated last year to transform the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services,” said Kindiki.

Kindiki acknowledged that Kenyans continue to experience pain and frustration as they seek passports to facilitate their movement outside the country.

“Many of our people have lost employment opportunities, while many others cannot travel for medical care, education, business or leisure,” he said, adding that he was taking responsibility for the slow pace of reforms and the prevailing systemic inefficiencies at the department.

“The Government undertakes to conclusively resolve this matter and create efficiency and timely service delivery in the shortest time possible. Arrangements have been made to secure the required funds and settle the outstanding supplier debts,” said Kindiki.

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At the same time, he announced that a crackdown had been commenced to identify corrupt officials.

“Those found culpable will be removed from service, and held personally accountable by prosecution and surcharge,” said Kindiki.

“I respectfully appeal for a little more patience from the people of Kenya to conclusively resolve this matter.”

It was however not clear how his new attempts to clean up the department would succeed, a few months after he launched a similar attempt and promises, and made several impromptu visits to the department.