CS Kindiki's message to "idlers" around Nyayo House

By Robert Mutasi 

The Immigration Department of Kenya is set to receive a significant financial boost of Sh1.3 billion in the fiscal year 2023/2024. 

This funding is earmarked for the procurement of new equipment, such as printers, and the modernization of the department's infrastructure.

The announcement was made by Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kindiki during his unannounced visit to Nyayo House in Nairobi. 

He underscored the importance of this investment, stating it aims to enhance the quality of services delivered to Kenyan citizens nationwide.

Kindiki's visit to Nyayo House was marked by interactions with both the public and department staff, as he sought to identify opportunities for service improvement. 

His visit comes amid recent allegations of corruption and exploitation within the department.

Kindiki declared that loitering in Nyayo House would no longer be tolerated. Access will be strictly limited to individuals with the necessary paperwork and department staff.

“The crackdown on cartels extorting applicants of passports and other vital citizenship documents at the immigration department is on, and all those involved in the criminal acts will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.

He affirmed the ongoing crackdown on corrupt networks within the Immigration Department, stating that those found guilty of exploiting passport applicants and other citizenship document seekers would face legal consequences.

To streamline the processing of passports and other citizenship documents, special desks have been established to expedite emergency applications. 

These include applications from individuals seeking medical treatment, academic opportunities, and job vacancies.

Kindiki reiterated that applicants should not have to pay extra for expedited processing and issuance of passports. 

He also assured Kenyans that the current backlog of 44,000 applications would be cleared within two weeks, with all future applications being processed promptly.

The Interior CS issued a stern warning to Immigration Department officers involved in corruption, stating they would be held accountable.

However, he also praised the majority of the department's officers for their professionalism, dedication, and patriotism, stating they deserved recognition and support to perform their duties effectively.

“A majority of the officers in the Immigration department are professional, dedicated, and patriotic. They deserve to be commended and facilitated to undertake their duties diligently,” he said.

He concluded by stating that any officers found guilty of colluding with intermediaries to solicit bribes from applicants would face severe consequences.