Kenya’s Passport and ID Issuance Delayed by Funding Shortfall

Kenya’s essential public services, including passport issuance and national identity card processing, are experiencing significant delays due to a funding shortfall from the National Treasury. As of late September, Treasury records indicate that funds had not been allocated to 16 critical state departments, severely impacting public service delivery across the country.

The Immigration and Citizen Services department, which had budgeted Sh720 million for ID supplies and Sh900 million for e-passport books, is among the departments most affected by the financial shortfall. This funding gap has led to an urgent backlog in processing national identification documents, potentially hindering travel and employment opportunities for Kenyan citizens.

In addition to Immigration, other essential sectors such as Correctional Services, Judiciary, and Public Works are facing budget constraints that could stall development projects and disrupt government accountability. This funding crisis not only risks critical project delays but also threatens public confidence in government transparency and reliability.

The situation underscores the need for prompt financial support to maintain essential services and restore public trust in Kenya’s government services. Addressing these budget gaps is essential for enhancing public sector efficiency and national infrastructure development.