Kenyans will wait longer for their passports to be printed, the Immigration office has announced.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Immigration Department said they are witnessing a breakdown of printing machines at Nyayo House.
“Due to a breakdown of a printing machine and disruption in the supply of essential materials, we are currently experiencing delays in the processing of passport applications,” it said.
“We regret the inconvenience caused and take this opportunity to convey our sincere apologies to the applicants and anyone else affected by the delay.”
The department said their staff are working round the clock to reinstall normal services and to clear the backlog of pending passport applications.
“Applicants seeking urgent passports are reminded to contact us with documentary proof of urgency,” they said.
This is the second time a printing machine is breaking down within one week.
In April, Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said more than 60,000 applicants who have been waiting for their Kenyan passports will receive them within three weeks.
Bitok said the backlog of applications will be cleared in 21 days after the government received over 100,000 passport blank booklets.
“It will take you 21 days to receive your passport if you apply on the e-Citizen platform,” the PS said.
-The-Star
