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The passport application process remains unchanged except paper handling has been done away with. Candidates will visit the immigration offices to have their details registered after applying for the document online.

Tracking By SMS

The SMS tracking capability is one of the best, considering its easy accessibility. One doesn't require an Internet connection to access the service, but only a mobile carrier and a mobile device using any of the available mobile service providers in Kenya.

One of the most benefitting advancements in the use of SMS which is sent directly to your mobile phone to see the status of your application if it is ready for pick up or not. This process has also been installed in the process of passport renewal. This will save you the stress and even the cost of visiting the immigration office weekly or even daily; this service has been designed to help save time, cost, energy and end unnecessary complaints to the immigration offices. 

The passport tracking service utilizes the short code 2032, and you can do it using the following steps:

• Open the messages app on your phone and start a new message.
• On the recipient area, enter 2032 and type your passport number issued during submission of your application on the message section.
• Press the Send button once you have verified that all the information has been entered correctly. You will receive an SMS showing either your passport is ready for collection or is in processing. The message template says, “Passport ready to pick up or passport still in the process”.

Note:  You can use the same code to request assistance form the Immigration Department by sending HELP.  If you find that your passport is not ready yet, you can use the same code for further inquiries. Ordinarily, the service costs Kshs. 5 per SMS sent.

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Online Tracking

Today, all passport applications are done online after creating an account on the ecitizen.go.ke portal that holds various government services. Therefore, after a successful application, one can track their passport’s status through the platform when logged in to their accounts.

The status could be Accepted, Rejected, or Ready For Collection. The online passport status system in Kenya is very efficient in providing people with relevant information regarding their passport status. You can regularly check, as much as you desire to know your passport.

Via Tracking Number

Using the tracking number availed on the photo token receipt, you can now proceed to track the status of your passport.

• Navigate to the passport booking and collection portal of the Postal Corporation of Kenya
• Enter the 10-digit tracking number
• Click on ‘Track my passport’

The above process my result in two of the following scenarios:

• Tracking number not found; implying that your passport is not yet ready and may need to wait longer.

• The search option opens up, meaning your passport is ready and you should proceed to book for delivery by providing your full name, ID number, email address, phone number and preferred post office and then proceed to make payment for the same (parcel delivery).

Why there is Shortage of 32 and 50 Pages Passports Categories In Kenya Today?

Have you realized there has been a problem when selecting your preferred passport category during application?

Don't ask yourself a lot of questions as the problem has already been addressed. During Recent press briefing Director-General Mr. Alexander Muteshi from Immigration.

The main reason for all this is because the Company that is contracted to supply the booklet has not yet done so.

He has assured Kenyans that the issue is being addressed and the relevant bodies is acting on it and seeking for patience. Kenyans will soon have full access to all categories.

However the Overall Passport Application will not be affected by the two missing categories for application. All other categories are still available.

Reminder on Old Passport to New Biometric Application Passports Deadline

The Government of Kenya gave out a directive to deface all the old passports to new biometric ones as provided for by the East African Community Member States. Kenyans are still urged to ensure they have completed with the application to avoid late or past due application. The new biometric passport will ensure that no restrictions will be experienced when anyone visits any country around the globe.

The actual deadline periods will be met by the end of November 2022.

N/B. If your tracking number is not found the chances are it's not been dispatched yet. Please be patient though if it's taken longer than expected you might need to physically go find out from their offices.

Latest Updates on passport status

On 7th of August, 2023 the government issued a press release indicating that they are working on clearing the 40,000 pending passport in a couple of days and apologized for the challenges with the printers malfunctioning.