Kindiki’s Call: Nyayo House as Crime Scene
Interior Cabinet Secretary confirmed on Thursday that, if necessary, he will declare Nyayo House in Nairobi a crime site following numerous reports of passport processing-related corruption.
While testifying before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Security, Kindiki stated that Nyayo House, the location of the Directorate of Immigration Services, had become a center for individuals preying on those seeking new passports.
He cautioned that the corruption situation at Nyayo House had reached an alarming level, noting that the situation had become a major hindrance for many Kenyans, including young graduates seeking employment opportunities abroad.
“I have received numerous complaints from Kenyans in search of passports. This is extremely unfortunate and cannot continue unchecked.
Kindiki lamented that the President had also received several complaints from his regional and international counterparts regarding deliberate attempts to delay passport processing.
The MPs have reiterated Kindiki’s accusations, complaining about the level of corruption at Nyayo House. MPs observed that Kenyans are required to pay as much as Ksh10,000 to have their passports processed.
“I’d like to inform your committee that I’ll be taking the initiative to clear up the mess at Nyayo House. Kindiki disclosed, “I have credible intelligence on the officers involved in these corrupt activities.”
He remarked that such actions undermine public confidence in the government and make it more challenging for Kenyans to obtain the necessary services.
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Accordingly, he stated that the government must investigate these allegations and hold those culpable accountable.
“I have acknowledged that the Immigration Department has a problem. Kindiki noted, “however, that there are also good officers who serve patriotically.”
Kindiki stated that in addition to the allegations of corruption, there have also been complaints about the lengthy processing times for passports at Nyayo House.
He acknowledged that some individuals have waited months to receive their passports, while others have been denied without explanation.
“When I have made impromptu visits, I have witnessed Kenyans waiting in line as early as 6 a.m., all the way to Teleposta Towers.
Kindiki stated, “I have had a very candid conversation with the Principal Secretary this week, and I can assure you that I will rectify this situation.”
Professor Kindiki remarked that the lengthy delays make it difficult for Kenyans to travel and can negatively impact enterprises. He assured that measures have been taken to address the lengthy delays in passport processing.
Kindiki’s Call: Nyayo House as Crime Scene
