The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader and Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, during a public engagement, with an insert of someone displaying the Kenyan passport.
Speaking at his Wamunyoro residence on Thursday, August 6, while hosting a delegation from Subukia Constituency in Nakuru County, the former Deputy President claimed he had received information from individuals within the Department of Immigration Services (DIS) regarding the cause of the prolonged delays in passport processing.
According to Gachagua, the shortage is not a result of technical or procurement challenges but an alleged lack of funds to print passport booklets after money collected through eCitizen was diverted to other government activities.
“They told me that there is no money to print a single passport book because the money that comes in for eCitizen was diverted to other things such as the Ol Kalou by-election.”Gachagua claimed.
Kenyans receiving their passports at Nyayo House on May 13, 2024
Gachagua alleged that funds originally intended to finance passport production were redirected, leaving the Immigration Department unable to replenish passport booklets.
He did not provide documentary evidence to support the allegations, but maintained that the information originated from sources within the immigration department.
He claimed the Interior CS had been conducting extensive visits across the Rift Valley region as political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election gathers momentum.
“The money meant for services to Kenyans is being used elsewhere instead of ensuring government offices have the resources they need.”Gachagua alleged.
He further claimed that Murkomen’s frequent visits to counties including Kericho, Bomet, West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet were politically motivated.
Neither the Ministry of Interior nor the Department of Immigration Services had publicly responded to Gachagua’s allegations by the time of publication.
Applicants Continue to Face Delays
The latest claims come against the backdrop of mounting frustration among Kenyans seeking passports for employment, education, business and international travel.
Many applicants have taken to social media in recent months to complain about delays, saying appointments have been completed but passport collection has taken considerably longer than expected.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen speaking during an engagement with Village Elders, State House, Nairobi County, August 4, 2026.
Instead, many have only been able to access the 34-page passport, forcing some travelers to adjust their plans or postpone international commitments altogether.
Recruitment agencies and employers requiring travel documentation have also expressed concern over prolonged waiting periods affecting job seekers.
Passport Demand Continues to Rise
The Department of Immigration Services has in recent years experienced growing demand for passports as more Kenyans seek employment opportunities abroad, pursue higher education and increase international travel.
However, periodic shortages of passport booklets have continued to affect service delivery, prompting repeated complaints from members of the public.
While Gachagua attributes the situation to alleged diversion of government revenue, the claims remain unverified and had not been independently confirmed at the time of publication.
As public interest grows, attention is expected to shift to the Ministry of Interior, the Department of Immigration Services and other relevant government agencies for clarification regarding passport production, funding and the reported shortages.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader and Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, during a public engagement, with an insert of someone displaying the Kenyan passport.
