The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Isaac Mwaura, the government spokesperson, has outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at resolving the current delays in passport issuance. This initiative entails the issuance of one million passports and three million identity cards, facilitated by the acquisition and installation of two new passport printing machines at Nyayo House.
Mwaura disclosed that this target is nearly double the number of passports issued in 2023, which stood at 533,000. The enhanced output is attributed to the combined printing capacity of 600 passports per hour of the new machines. The installation of these machines is anticipated to reduce passport issuance waiting times to less than 14 working days.
In addition to the increased passport and ID issuance, Mwaura announced plans to issue 1.2 million digital National ID cards to first-time applicants and 1.6 million duplicate IDs. These efforts aim to complement the 733,000 Maisha cards already issued.
Mwaura emphasized that these targets are realistic, supported by strategic enhancements and investments in essential registration and documentation systems. Moreover, the government seeks to boost revenue through the issuance of electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which replaced entry visas, with a target of attracting at least five million visitors.
Notably, President William Ruto eliminated the visa requirement for visiting Kenya starting January of this year, further facilitating travel to the country.
The upcoming commissioning of the new machines is expected to alleviate passport issuance delays. Additionally, new passport issuance offices will be established in key towns nationwide to enhance accessibility.
To further decentralize services, the Directorate of Immigration plans to establish new offices in Nyeri, Bungoma, and Garissa. Investment in government-owned passport and border management systems is also underway to provide real-time traveler data.
Simultaneously, the government aims to increase the daily average revenue collected on the eCitizen digital platform to Ksh1 billion over one year.
