How to Apply for a Passport in Kenya: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for a passport in Kenya can be a streamlined process if approached with adequate preparation and understanding of the required steps.

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Here’s a detailed guide to help you through each stage:

Introduction

Obtaining a Kenyan passport involves navigating through the Kenyan immigration system. Since September 1st, 2017, Kenyan passports have been ePassports, featuring a chip with essential information like biometrics and a digital photo. It’s advisable to start the application process at least 30 days before your intended travel date​​​​.

The Significance of a Kenyan Passport

Every Kenyan citizen planning to travel outside the country needs a valid passport. For travel within East Africa, a temporary passport is sufficient​​.

Vital Requirements for Application

The application requires:

1. Personal appearance for digital photo and biometrics capture.
2. An eCitizen pre-filled passport application form and three invoices.
3. Original and photocopy of the birth certificate.
4. Original National ID Card and its photocopy.
5. Three recent passport-size photographs.
6. Recommender’s ID Card copy.
7. Parents’ National ID cards or Death Certificates (if deceased).
8. Written consent from parents or legal guardians for applicants under 18.
9. Additional documents for adopted applicants.
10. Section 7 of the application is endorsed by a Kenyan citizen who is not an immediate relative​​.

Passport Photographs Guidelines

These include submitting three passport-sized photos, ensuring they display a full-face image without a hat, and not mounting or glazing them on the reverse side. The recommender must endorse one photograph with a certification of the applicant’s likeness​​.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Begin the process on the eCitizen platform.
2. Complete the application and make the necessary payment through various methods like Safaricom M-Pesa, Debit Card, Credit Card, Prepaid Debit Card, Airtel Money, or eCitizen Agent​​.

Appointment Booking and Document Submission

1. Schedule an appointment through eCitizen.
2. Choose a date and immigration center for your application submission.
3. Centers processing Kenyan ePassports include Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Kisii, Eldoret, Embu, and the Kenyan embassy in Washington DC.
4. Submit your application, documents, fingerprints, digital photo, and signature to immigration officials​​.

Kenyan Passport Fee Structure

The fees are based on the number of pages in the passport:

• Series A (32 pages) costs Ksh. 4,550.
• Series B (48 pages) costs Ksh. 6,050.
• Series C (64 pages) costs Ksh. 7,550.
• A Diplomatic passport also costs Ksh. 7,550​​.

Collecting Your Kenyan Passport

The passport will usually be ready for collection 30 days after application. eCitizen notifies applicants via SMS when the passport is ready​​.

Additional Detailed Steps (From Other Sources)

1. Register and log in to your e-citizen account using personal information like National ID number, full name, date of birth, phone number, and email address​​.
2. Access the ‘Department of Immigration Service’ on e-Citizen and navigate to ‘passport application’​​.
3. Fill out the form with details and upload the required documents. Then make the payment​​.
4. Book an appointment for biometrics, selecting a convenient location​​.
5. On the appointment day, carry all required documents and undergo biometric capture​​.
6. The usual processing time ranges from one to three weeks, depending on various factors​​​​.

Gathering all necessary documents is crucial to avoid application rejection. By following these steps, you can expect to receive your passport in about three weeks. This guide aims to make your passport application process in Kenya as smooth and hassle-free as possible.