New e-passport causing long processing times

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the reminder? Kenyan nationals currently holding a non-biometric Kenyan passport must obtain the new biometric e-passport and provide biometrics in person before Aug. 31. After then, the older generation passports will no longer be valid. Employees should plan for delays and apply for the new passport well ahead of the Aug. 31 deadline.

• Implementation time frame: Aug. 31.
• Who is affected: Kenyan passport holders.
• Processing times: Applicants should expect delays in processing, as all e-passports are being issued by the Nairobi office. The official processing period of the new Kenyan passport is supposed to be 15 working days, but this timeline is no longer definite due to the large number of applications being submitted.

Background: Many African countries are beginning to phase out older generation passports in favor of biometric passports because they allow immigration authorities to more easily authenticate information on passport holders and detect fraudulent activity. The new e-passport contains a small embedded electronic microprocessor chip containing the passport holder’s biometric information, which ensures immigration authorities that the passport was not illegally replicated.

Kenya’s switch to the new e-passport has proven difficult because the Nairobi Immigration Office is the only authority able to issue them.

Kenyan nationals living in-country may submit their e-passport application at three locations: Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu. While the government plans to allow the Nakuru, Embu, Eldoret and Kisii centers to also accept passport applications, no official announcements have been made. Currently, Kenyans living abroad must renew their passports and have their biometrics collected in Kenya at one of the locations mentioned above. Employees should note that all e-passports are being issued, and therefore printed, at the Nairobi office and should account for subsequent delays.

Analysis & Comments: Employees holding older generation Kenyan passports should apply for the new biometric passport far ahead of the Aug. 31 deadline and plan for delays in processing.

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.