The government has announced plans to open a new passport issuance office in Malindi, Kilifi County, to serve residents of the North Coast region. The Malindi office will be the tenth passport office in Kenya, joining others in Nairobi, Kisumu, Bungoma, Kisii, Embu, Kericho, Eldoret, Nakuru, and Mombasa.
According to Malindi Deputy County Commissioner David Lusava, the new facility will significantly ease access to travel documents for residents who have long been forced to travel to Mombasa for passport services.
“Very soon, through the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, we shall open a passport issuance office in Malindi,” Lusava said. “From early next year, those applying for passports will no longer need to travel to Mombasa or Nairobi, as passports will be issued locally.”
Lusava noted that the initiative is part of the government’s wider plan to decentralize services and enhance efficiency in public service delivery. The move is particularly aimed at helping young people seeking employment abroad, as it will save them time and costs associated with long-distance travel.
For years, passport application and collection in Kenya have faced challenges, including extended delays, uncollected passports, and system backlogs. However, the Directorate of Immigration Services has made strides to address these issues by installing new printing machines, upgrading facilities, and streamlining the collection process.
Lusava also encouraged residents to take advantage of the newly opened land registry office in Malindi, urging them to acquire title deeds which could be used to access credit facilities and bank loans.
The establishment of the Malindi passport office marks another step by the government toward bringing essential services closer to citizens, promoting regional growth, and improving access to crucial documentation.
