Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Friday visited Nyayo House, the headquarters of the Immigration Department, for the second day to monitor operations and order a crackdown on corruption.
Kindiki said that he was pleased with the progress that had been made in addressing the challenges that have hampered service delivery in the department, but he warned that there would be zero tolerance for corruption.
"No person will be allowed to hang around the precincts of Nyayo House and security officers will strictly enforce law and order, apprehending any person soliciting for bribes from applicants of passports and other citizenship documents," Kindiki said in a statement.
He said that the ongoing policy and operational reforms at Nyayo House would be extended to all immigration offices countrywide, to facilitate efficient service delivery.
"Zero tolerance to corruption is non-negotiable and all persons seeking services at the Immigration department must be treated with courtesy," Kindiki said.
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To streamline service delivery, emergency desks have been established to expedite the processing of passports for applicants seeking medical care abroad, students destined to learning institutions abroad and persons who have secured job opportunities in foreign countries and have reporting deadlines.
Expectant and lactating mothers, parents or guardians accompanying minors, the elderly and persons with disabilities will also be accorded special attention at the immigration desks.
Kindiki said that all efforts and manpower had been deployed to clear the passport processing backlog within 14 days.
He commended immigration officers who are diligently serving citizens and appealed for patience from applicants as the government fixes the systemic challenges that have for years hampered service delivery in the Immigration department.
"I am aware that there are still some challenges, but I am confident that we will overcome them with your cooperation," Kindiki said.
He said that the government was committed to providing efficient and corruption-free services to all Kenyans.
"We will not rest until we have transformed the Immigration Department into a world-class institution that is responsive to the needs of our citizens," Kindiki said.
The Interior CS's visit to Nyayo House came after a series of complaints from Kenyans about the long delays in processing passports and the high levels of corruption at the department.
Kindiki's announcement of a crackdown on corruption was welcomed by many Kenyans, who have long been frustrated by the rampant corruption in the public sector.
The Interior CS's visit to Nyayo House is a sign that the government is serious about addressing the challenges facing the Immigration Department.
It remains to be seen whether the government will be able to deliver on its promises, but Kindiki's visit is a step in the right direction.
