In a bid to address the long-standing concerns over delays in passport processing, the Kenyan Immigration Department has taken a pivotal step by extending its working hours for passport applications.

The move comes as part of a series of comprehensive measures aimed at streamlining the issuance of travel documents and enhancing public satisfaction.

The acting Director General of Immigration Services, Evelyn Cheluget, unveiled these transformative changes during a gathering of immigration officers at Nyayo House on Monday.

Addressing the gathering, Cheluget expressed her optimism about the positive impact of the extended working hours on expediting the passport processing timeline.

She emphasized that the department's commitment to improving its services remains steadfast and unwavering.

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The extended operational hours, which will be implemented beginning this week, signify a significant shift in how the Immigration Department approaches its services.

Previously, applicants were limited to specific hours for submitting their applications, leading to challenges for individuals with busy schedules.

However, with the introduction of the new working hours, the department aims to alleviate this inconvenience and provide applicants with greater flexibility.

Under the new schedule, passport applications will be accepted from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., seven days a week, including weekends.

This extended timeline is anticipated to facilitate a smoother and more convenient application process for a broader range of individuals.

By accommodating a variety of schedules, the department seeks to enhance overall efficiency and alleviate the strain on the system during peak hours.

Evelyn Cheluget highlighted the significance of this change in her address, stating, "We are working hard, the passport section has been working on shifts, we have dedicated counters for urgent cases and all regional heads to boost staff in the urgent counters."

The decision to extend working hours comes in response to persistent concerns over delays in passport processing that have prompted Kenyan citizens to question the efficiency of the Immigration Department.

Ideally, the passport issuance process should take no more than 10 to 15 days.

The extended hours represent a proactive approach to addressing these concerns and fostering greater public satisfaction.

Additionally, the department's efforts to increase staffing levels, deploy officers abroad, designate emergency counters, and invest in new booklets and machines for 24/7 passport printing further underscore the commitment to transformative change.

With the extended working hours leading the charge, the Kenyan Immigration Department is positioning itself to revolutionize the passport application experience.

The move is not only expected to reduce processing delays but also to enhance the overall service quality and ensure that obtaining a passport becomes a smoother and more efficient process for all Kenyan citizens.