The government has announced that it will soon hire passport printing machines from private individuals to clear a backlog that has clogged the Immigration Department at Nyayo House.
This has been announced by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki who recently termed Nyayo House as a possible scene of crime.
Already, the plan by Kindiki has raised fears on the security of such a critical government function, with critics wondering what business private investors have with passports.
According to CS Kindiki, the leasing of the passport printing machines from private individuals will be similar to the medical equipment leasing arrangement that was conducted by the Ministry of Health.
“Their capital cost is very high and we will have to rely on some private sector funding through leasing without compromising on security,” said Kindiki.
He added that the government will be looking at hosting the documents and government data to prevent potential data theft.
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Apparently, once leased, the machines be housed at the Government Printer and will be operated by State officials.
“We will manage the equipment once it is delivered. Private investors will only provide the equipment and we will enter into a lease-to-own arrangement or leases with specific timelines as is the case with leased medical equipment,” he said.
