Kindiki directs Immigration to process applications within 21 days
Professor Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and National Administration has directed the Directorate of Immigration Service to process all citizenship, permanent residency, and work permit applications within 21 days.
This comes as the ministry ups its efforts to improve the efficiency of the State Department for Citizen Services.
The Cabinet Secretary stated, “I have directed the Directorate of Immigration Services to ensure decisions on all applications for Citizenship, Permanent Residency and Work Permits are processed within twenty-one (21) days from the date of application. I pledge to carry out my determination on all applications, including Appeals, within seven (7) days following receipt of the recommendation of the Department.”
The Ministry has made substantial progress in the issuance of e-passports and the approval of citizenship applications.
In addition, a policy framework for the efficient online registration of births and deaths has been initiated and security systems at entry points, including JKIA, will be upgraded with the acquisition and installation of an Advanced Passenger Information System and e-Gates.
“We are addressing the delay in the issuance of new Kenyan passports,” said Professor Kindiki. “We have received 50,000 34-page booklets with a further 200,000 expected next week, and a similar figure each month for the next six months.”
The Cabinet Secretary also reported, “Last week, I approved 1,698 applications for citizenship, all of which were pending approval. Of these, 808 applications were made to regain Kenyan Citizenship and 815 applications were made by spouses and children of Kenyan citizens, in an effort to strengthen the social fabric of Kenyan society by promoting the family unit.”
“These systems will profile passengers travelling in and out of Kenya and eliminate queues at immigration counters,” Kindiki added.
The Ministry’s efforts to improve the efficiency of its services and enhance security systems demonstrate its commitment to delivering high-quality services to the citizens of Kenya.