Kenya E-Passport Guide: All You Need To Know Before You Apply!

Hello my friends! 😀 Are you planning to get your Kenya E-Passport anytime soon?

Well, look no further because I’ve put together everything you need to know before applying for the Kenya E-Passport!

About a week ago, I finally took the plunge and started my Kenya E-Passport renewal process.

Honestly, I’ve been dreading it for months now! This is especially after seeing the ‘list of requirements’ circulating online, sometime back.

But with the deadline fast approaching, I decided to bite the bullet and go for it!

And here on Scrapbook Journeys, you know we share all the good stuff! So, if you’re anxious or feeling confused about the process, don’t worry… I’ve got you covered! 😀

Our guide will focus more on clarifying what you need through each step…

UPDATE: The renewal process is ongoing, and the new deadline for the Kenya E-passport is 30th November, 2022.

Before You Apply: Kenya E-Passport Requirements

As you might know, the Kenya E-Passport process begins with an online application on the E-Citizen platform.

>>So start by registering for an E-citizen account if you don’t have one already.

Step 2: For the online application you’ll need to input:-

While going through the online application, I noticed that you’ll need to have these details at hand…

• Your parents’ ID Numbers
• Details of your next of kin (ID No., email and postal address)
• Your birth certificate entry number.
• Details of your kids and spouse.
• Your KRA pin number.
• Details of your recommender (ID No., email and postal address)
• And before submitting the application, you’ll need to upload these documents on the portal:

                         -A copy of your ID

                         -Copies of the last 4 pages of your Old passport

• Money (can be paid via MPESA or Visa Card.)
• The cost ranges from Kes. 4,550 for 32 Pages, Kes. 6,050 for 48 Pages, and Kes. 7,550 for a 64 Pages Passport.

Step 3: Prepare the Physical Documents Needed

After you’ve paid for and submitted your application, ensure you print it out and also print out 3 copies of the receipt.

The next step is to avail yourself at one of these Passport Centres in Kenya: Nairobi (Nyayo House), Nakuru, Kisumu, Embu, Mombasa, and Kisii. For our diaspora friends, check with your local Kenyan Embassy.

Documents you’ll need:

• Original ID and a copy of the same
• Current (old) Passport
• Copies of the last 4 pages of your old Passport.
• 3 recent Passport pictures
• Signed Application form
• 3 copies of the Receipt (as proof of payment)
• 1 Copy of the Recommender’s ID or Passport

>> The recommender in this case is anyone who is not related to you, but knows you. It can be a citizen of Kenya such as Church official, Legal Practitioner, an established Civil Servant or Bank Official.

>> Ensure the recommender signs the Application form and copies of your documents.

Step 4: The Kenya E-Passport Centre: What To Expect…

When you arrive, you will be directed to the queue, leading up to the waiting hall.

I got there before 6:30 am, and the place was already alive, with over 200 applicants ahead of me!

They’ll first check whether you have your Current (old) passport and a signed application form. You will then be issued with a number; be sure to hold on to it as it determines the order of service.

The queues though long, are well-directed by the Officers. After you’ve finally been served at the Counter, and your biometrics taken, you are good to go!

UPDATE: You can now book an appointment via E-Citizen and you’ll receive a text message notification to go in and get your biometrics taken.

It typically takes about 15 days… You will later receive a phone notification, when your E-Passport is ready for collection.

Practical Kenya E-Passport Tips:-

I picked up these practical tips while at the E-Passport centre…

• For ladies who’re married & have taken up their spouses’ names, ensure you bring a copy of your marriage certificate.
• If traveling for emergency purposes like schooling, medical needs or work, it’s wise to bring a letter as proof.
• Children with the old passport can apply.
• Arrive early and on time as per your given appointment time. Before, you had to allocate between 4 to 6 hours for the process because of the long queues. This may now have changed due to the introduction of the appointments’ system.
• Carry snacks, especially if you bring your kids along. The wait can be brutal on a hungry stomach… 🙂

Although the process requires lots of patience, it’s quite organized which helps in transitioning smoothly, from one step to the next.

I’d love to recognise Moha, one of the officers, who really brings a sense of humanity and friendliness to an otherwise dull process. You can tell that Moha loves his job, in the way he cracks jokes with and handles the applicants. Bless his heart! 😀

>> Check out this post: A Quick Travel Guide To Rwanda

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Thank you for reading! I hope you found this post useful for your Kenya E-Passport application…

Do you have any questions and/or tips to add? Drop a comment down below. 🙂

And don’t keep this post to yourself, share with all your friends!! 😉

<<Stay. Inspired. Always.>>