Gov’t Breaks Silence On Passport Shortage, Implements New Measures
The government has broken its silence and sought to quell public indignation in response to complaints about the sudden removal of cheaper passport alternatives from the eCitizen platform.
This decision effectively forces new applicants to pay greater prices for travel papers.
In a statement issued on Friday, February 6, the Department of Immigration Services noted Kenyans’ concerns about the lack of A and B Series passport booklets on the eCitizen application page.
The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services is apprised of concerns raised by passport applicants on the unavailability of A and B Series booklets in the eCitizen application portal.
— State Dept for Immigration & Citizen Services (@C_ServicesKE) February 6, 2026
The State Department has put in place measures to ensure that all passport…
The Directorate stated that it has implemented measures to guarantee that all passport applications are processed on time and without causing trouble to applicants, citing growing unhappiness with delays and increased expenses.
The Ministry of Interior released a similar statement, indicating that it was aware of the concerns and assuring Kenyans that steps were being made to rectify the situation.
“We reaffirm our commitment to facilitate travel in line with our mandate as we make efforts to ensure that all passport series are available,” the Ministry said, while appealing for patience as the matter is addressed.
However, both offices provided no explanation for the unavailability of the cheaper passport alternatives, raising doubts about what caused the problem.
The reaction came after Kenyans noted that the eCitizen platform now shows the 66-page passport, which costs Ksh12,500, as the only choice for new applications and basic renewals.
A quick check of the portal reveals that the previously available 50-page passport, which cost Ksh9,500, has been deleted, leaving applicants with no choice but to choose the most expensive booklet.
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Earlier, in July 2025, the government also withdrew the 34-page passport, the cheapest option at KSh7,500, citing operational and supply challenges, though no permanent solution was announced at the time.
With both the 34-page and 50-page options unavailable, the minimum cost of acquiring a new Kenyan passport has effectively risen to KSh12,500.
This has sparked criticism from members of the public who say the move disproportionately affects low-income earners amid the tough economic situations that the country is grappling with.
While the portal no longer offers the 50-page passport for first-time applicants, it still allows issuance of the booklet in limited cases, such as replacements for lost or mutilated passports.
Gov’t Breaks Silence On Passport Shortage, Implements New Measures
