How to Apply for a Kenyan Passport: Complete Guide

Ready to travel? Or are you simply looking for information on how to apply for a Kenyan passport? The process is relatively simple and self-explanatory, but assembling all the necessary documents is crucial to saving time by avoiding application rejections.

The Kenyan Passport is an essential travel document and an internationally recognized identification document that every Kenyan who plans to travel internationally must have.

In this article, we’ll provide clear and concise steps for applying for a Kenyan passport and answer some frequently asked questions to clarify any doubts.

Let’s get started!

Required Documents To Apply For A Kenyan Passport

You’ll need to submit several documents and your Kenyan passport application.

Note that if you just turned 18, you must get a KRA Tax Payer’s PIN first. You can apply for that on the KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority) website at https://kra.go.ke/services/apply-for-pin. This is a mandatory part of the application form.

Additionally, for a new passport application, you need the following documents:

1. A prefilled copy of the passport application form that’s downloadable from eCitizen.
2. Original birth certificate and a photocopy of it.
3. Original National ID card and a photocopy of the same.
4. Three passport-sized photos.
5. A copy of your recommender’s National ID. There are also sections for them to fill out on the application form.
   A recommender can be a friend, close family, lawyer, or any other trusted individual who can vouch for you.
6. Photocopies of both parents’ Identification cards or death certificates if deceased.
7. A consent letter from parents or guardians when making an application for minors.

For the replacement of a lost or mutilated passport, you’ll also need the following;

1. An affidavit confirming your identity.
2. Police abstract.
3. An explanation letter where you state what happened to your Passport.
4. The old Passport and photocopies of the first three pages when renewing an expired passport.

Kenyan Passport Application Process

On May 1st, 2015, the Kenyan Government, through the Immigration Department, started offering online passport application services through the eCitizen portal. 

The online platform has helped simplify the passport application process, significantly reducing the time and effort required.

1. Gather The Required Documents

Ensure that you have all the necessary documents before starting your application process.

The essential documents include your National ID, your parent’s IDs or death certificates, three passport-size photos, and a copy of your recommender’s National ID.

2. Login To E-Citizen Or Create An Account

Ecitizen is the primary website for accessing government services in Kenya, and this is where your application process starts.

You’ll need to sign up with an email address and National ID number, which you’ll then use to log in.

You will find the necessary information and track your application status here.

3. Click on the Directorate of Immigration Services

Visiting this link allows access to services from the Department of Immigrations.

Clicking on the “Get-Service” button will lead you to the State Department of Immigration and Citizen Services portal with on-screen instructions to fill in your information, from the type of Passport to uploading the required documents.

4. Fill Out The Form And Pay The Passport Application Fee

Fill in the form accurately and select your mode of payment.

After paying the application fee, you can print the filled-out application form and the payment invoice. Then, make three extra copies of the invoice to present at the immigration offices later.

5. Visit An Immigration Office

There are three centers in Kenya: Nyayo House, Nairobi, Regional Coordinator’s Office, Mombasa, and Kisumu Provincial HQ.

During your visit, you will present your documents and have your biometrics recorded, including your fingerprints and a photo that will show up on your Passport.

6. Wait For Processing And Collection

After you’ve submitted your application and biometric data, you will need to wait for the processing and printing of your Passport.

The processing time varies depending on the workload at the immigration department. You should note that the government does maintenance on the printing system, and they can break down, leading to longer processing times.

You can check the status of your Passport through the eCitizen platform.

The stated timeline for a passport application on eCitizen’s immigration portal is 5 to 10 days, but realistically, it can take up to 2 weeks or longer.

For peace of mind, make your passport application at least 8 weeks before the day you plan to book your travel.

Having more time to work with guarantees that you’ll have your Passport ready, even if there are any delays in the process.

Remember, you should only book your travel once you have your Passport because you can only travel if you get it.

Kenyan Passport Application Charges

There are different passport classes, depending on your needs and job description. For example, a diplomatic passport allows privileged access and benefits like tax exemption.

The following are the different prices for Kenyan passports at the time of writing this article.

For most of the public who don’t travel too often, a 32 Page Ordinary passport is sufficient.

The Role Of Huduma Centers In Passport Applications

Before the introduction of the Huduma Center, Kenyans had to make long and expensive trips to the cities to access government services. Huduma Centers have made it so that government services are readily available in every town and center.

Huduma Centers are reliable and convenient but only offer Passport Replacement Services.

You have to make new applications on the eCitizen platform and visit any Immigration Office in the country.

Maybe, in the near future, it will be possible to apply for a passport entirely remotely without having to visit the Immigration Offices. However, note that it could take a while before you can do that since security against terrorism and identity theft is still the top priority for Governments when making passports.

How To Apply For A Kenyan Passport While Abroad

If you’re staying outside Kenya for an extended time, accessing services without a form of identification, like a valid passport, can be challenging.

With the introduction of the e-passport in 2017 under the Interior Cabinet Secretary at the time, Fred Matiangi, the law requires all Kenyan citizens to renew their older passports to modern electronic ones.

For this, many of you living or working outside the country need a way to get new passports.

You can apply for a Kenyan Passport at any Kenyan Embassy in your current location. For example, Americans have three Kenyan embassies and consulates, one in Washington DC, New York, and the third in Los Angeles, California.

The process is similar, if not more efficient, due to less workload and more modern technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some commonly asked questions from our clients and readers.