In a notice dated July 31st 2024, the Directorate of Immigration Services revealed plans to get rid of uncollected passports in the next six months in a move that is intended to create more storage space within the Department.
“To free up limited storage space, applicants are notified that DIS will dispose of all uncollected passports six months from the date of this notice,” he said.
Head of Immigration and Citizen Services, PS Julius Bitok explained that this action follows Section 31 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, the Disposal of Uncollected Goods Act (CAP 38), and ICAO regulations regarding travel documents. Currently, the Directorate has 110,059 uncollected passports in its offices.
The uncollected passports are distributed across several offices as follows:
- Nairobi – 55,504
- Kisumu – 11,707
- Embu – 10,816
- Mombasa – 8,696
- Nakuru – 8,615
- Eldoret – 8,551
- Kisii – 5,719
- Kericho – 3,899
- Bungoma – 62
To make passport collection easier, Bitok shared that the Directorate has dropped the appointment requirement. Now, applicants can pick up their passports from the same office where they applied.
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In line with the President’s push to help Kenyans find work overseas, the Directorate has set up dedicated Migrant Labour counters to fast-track passport applications.
Bitok urged applicants to bring all required documents, including proof of intent from the relevant institution. He also noted that new measures have been designed to improve transparency, allow self-tracking, and ensure timely updates.
“To find out their passport application status, applicants can send a Short Message Service (SMS) with their eCitizen tracking number (e.g., EPPI-D6T8M4H1) to 22222,” Bitok said.
