Every Kenyan travelling out of Kenya (with an exception to East Africa countries) is required to have a valid passport. All passport applications are done online through eCitizen. After online application, one is required to present themselves with other required documents at a biometrics collection center to their biometric data to be captured.
The process usually follows this flow: apply online (eCitizen) → Pay (MPesa or Card) → Attend biometrics → Track and collect. Most delays come from document mismatch, unclear uploads, missing originals, or choosing the wrong application category.
What are the requirements when applying for Kenya Passport?
The requirements for Kenyan passport can be broadly categorized into: identity documents, citizenship support, photos, and any extra documents required for minors, renewals, replacements, or changes of particulars.
Adults
- Original Birth Certificate and a copy for citizens of Kenya by birth.
- Certificate of Registration for citizens of Kenya by registration.
- Original national identity card and a copy.
- A duly filled application Form 19 and 2 payment invoices.
- Payment of the prescribed fee.
- And any other additional document as maybe required
Minors
- Original Birth Certificate and a copy for citizens of Kenya by birth.
- Copies of parents’ national identity cards / Death certificates where applicable.
- Original and Copies of parents’ birth certificates.
- A duly filled application Form 19 and 2 payment invoices.
- Payment of the prescribed fee.
- And any other additional document as maybe required
What are the steps for applying for Kenyan Passport?
- 1Start the application onlineCreate or log into your eCitizen account and begin the application using the correct passport category.
- 2Fill every detail carefullyNames, dates, and other key details should match your official documents exactly.
- 3Upload documents and paySubmit the required scans and complete payment for the relevant passport type.
- 4Attend biometrics and verificationYou must appear in person with the necessary originals for biometric capture and final verification.
- 5Track and collectFollow the collection instructions linked to your application station or mission.
Biometrics collection for Kenyan Passport
After submitting the online application in eCitizen, one needs to present themselves at a biometrics center to have their data captured as well as uploaded documents verification.
For those in Kenya, you can visit any of the following Biometrics collection centers:
- Nairobi: Nyayo House, Ground Floor
- Mombasa: Uhuru na Kazi Building
- Kisumu: New PC's Office
- Embu: PC's Office
- Nakuru: Provincial Commissioners Building
- Kisii: County Commissioners Building
- Eldoret: Public Works Building
- Kericho: Ardhi House, 4th Floor
- Bungoma: Immigration Office, off Moi Avenue Road
For those outside Kenya (diaspora), you can visit any of the following centers:
- UK - Kenya Embassy, London.
- USA - Kenya Embassy, Washington DC.
- South Africa - Kenya Embassy, Pretoria.
- United Arab Emirates - Kenya Embassy, Dubai.
- Germany - Kenya Embassy, Berlin.
- France - Kenya Embassy, Paris.
What are the fees for applying for Kenyan Passport?
Passport fees usually vary by passport category, number of pages, and whether the request is a normal application, replacement, or change of particulars.
| Passport category | Fee (in Kenya shillings) |
|---|---|
| Ordinary passport - 34 pages | Ksh. 7, 550 |
| Ordinary passport - 50 pages | Ksh. 9, 550 |
| Ordinary passport - 66 pages | Ksh. 12, 050 |
| Diplomatic passport | Ksh. 15, 050 |
| Replacement of mutilated passport | Ksh. 20, 050 |
| Lost passport replacement | Ksh. 20, 050 |
Common mistakes when applying for Kenyan Passport
- Name mismatch across identity card and supporting documents (birth certificate).
- Blurry, cropped, or unreadable uploads especially passport photo.
- Showing up for biometrics without original documents (national ID and birth certificate).
- Choosing the wrong category, such as renewal instead of replacement.
- Assuming the online submission means the full process is complete (not going for biometrics after online submission).