Kenyans may now renew passports abroad

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? A technical glitch that prevented Kenyan citizens from renewing their passports abroad has been resolved.

What does the change mean? Kenyans living abroad may now renew their passports or obtain other citizens’ services at one of six locations in South Africa, Dubai, Britain, Belgium, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.

• Implementation time frame: The change is expected to be implemented this month.
• Visas/permits affected: Kenyan passports.
• Business impact: Kenyans living and working abroad will not need to disrupt their business schedules to travel back to Kenya and wait there to renew their passports.

Background: Technical issues have prevented Kenyan nationals living abroad from renewing their passports at their local embassy. As a result, those seeking to renew their passports had to travel back to Kenya and wait approximately six weeks to get a new passport.

Analysis & Comments: The opening of the six centers is positive news for members of the Kenyan diaspora, especially given that all Kenyans will be required to have a biometrics passport by September 2019. Authorities are also planning to introduce an online passport-renewal application process by the end of this year.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.