Kenyans Asked To Avoid Brokers During Passport Applications

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 2- The Directorate of Immigration Services has cautioned Kenyans against using brokers in an attempt to skip the e- citizen appointment system while applying for passports.

Director-General Alexander Muteshi has said anyone who opts to go through brokers will not have their documents approved.

“The public is strongly advised to avoid engaging brokers who use unorthodox means to attempt to bypass the e-citizen appointment system. We have in place measures to detect these attempts and no service will be rendered to such cases,” he said

Most passport applicants have in the past complained that they are forced to pay bribes to beat the long appointment dates available on the e-citizen platform.

Muteshi said the department has put in place a Special Desk at Nyayo House to address urgent and emergency passport application cases.

“Passport applicants may present their requests for rescheduling appointments for biometrics as well as fast-tracking issuance of passports at the special desk, provided that they attach the documentary evidence,” he added.

Muteshi said passport services will be accessed by appointment only booked on the e-citizen portal during the application process.

Some unscrupulous Kenyans have however taken advantage of the current COVID-19 pandemic to fleece Kenyans of their hard-earned cash with a promise of quick passport processing.

And as part of efforts to address the issue, the department has established a hotline to process urgent passport requests.

Muteshi said some medical, scholarship, and return to work cases had been classified as urgent. Those in need of services are to call 0110922065 or send an email to info@immigration.go.ke.

Individuals who need to travel abroad to seek medical attention, those who need to travel to school abroad with short notice, and employees who need to return to work will be given priority.