- Aukot said the majority of Kenyans have approached the party demanding the government look into the issue.
- They asked the President to ensure that all pending passport applications are processed and issued within the next seven days.
Image: FILE
Thirdaway Alliance Party Leader Ekuru Aukot has raised concerns with the government over delays in the issuance of passports.
In an open letter to President William Ruto, Aukot said current delays in the issuance of passports have resulted in missed economic opportunities.
"We are writing to you to express our deep concerns regarding the ongoing issues surrounding the issuance and renewal of passports in Kenya. We have received numerous complaints from citizens who have been greatly affected by the significant delays in passport processing," he said.
He added that the problem has also resulted in corruption within the department.
"With the current state of our economy, it's only prudent that a government facilitates Kenyans with the means with which they can exploit economic opportunities elsewhere when they are elected to do so," he said.
"This, we believe, will also ease the burden and stress the current administration is struggling with in light of the high percentage of unemployment in the country."
He questioned how Kenyans can benefit from opportunities abroad and yet the issuance of passports is a setback.
Aukot said the majority of Kenyans have approached the party demanding the government look into the issue.
They asked the President to ensure that all pending passport applications are processed and issued within the next seven days.
Aukot said that Kenyans want him to enforce legal timelines for passport issuance and renewal through appropriate legislation and regulations.
Other demands to the president are to implement automation in the passport issuance system, establish a seamless information technology system with an audit trail to hold individual officers accountable for any delay and devolve the issuance of passports to all county headquarters to improve accessibility and eliminate discrimination.
"Mr President, we fail to comprehend why verifying, approving, and printing a passport within a single day is such a challenge," he said.
"Kenyans are not interested in the excuses behind the lack of passport books or printer malfunctions, they have diligently contributed to the process through their taxes and passport fees."
He added that every citizen is entitled to the rights, privileges and benefits of citizenship.
"We trust and hope that your office will intervene and alleviate the suffering of Kenyans who are entitled to this identity document."