CS Kindiki inspects services at Immigration department

Kindiki's impromptu visit comes in the wake of numerous complaints from Kenyans about delays in the processing of passports, visas, and work permits.

"Service seekers who interacted with the CS complained of slow services and long waiting period and pleaded for more service counters to expedite the issuance processes and investments in better equipment to clear the backlog," the Ministry of Interior said in a statement.  

"They hailed the introduction of an online booking platform for biometrics appointments but complained of long queues."

Immigration officials, however, ascribed the delays to increased demand for passports.

The head of corporate affairs at the department, Amb. Isaac Ochieng, added that a printer at the office has also malfunctioned, hence the delays in processing the documents.

Ochieng added that the office requires Ksh.150 million to replace the printer.

According to Kindiki, the government is keen to streamline the issuance of passport and other Immigration department services and will secure the requisite resources and reforms to it a reality.

He said the Government will look into the bottlenecks behind the delays and implement the relevant solutions in line with its commitment to promote efficiency in the delivery of essential services to citizens