How to Get a Kenyan Passport in 2026: Step-by-Step Complete Guide

1. Eligibility Requirements

• Be a Kenyan citizen by birth, descent, or registration
• Be at least 18 years old (adult passport) or have parental consent if under 18
• Not be declared bankrupt (unless with court permission)
• Not be subject to a deportation order

2. Documents Required: First-Time Adult Applicants

• Original National ID card and one photocopy
• Original birth certificate and one photocopy
• Duly filled and printed Form 19 (from eCitizen)
• Two recent colored passport-sized photographs (white background)
• Parents' Kenyan IDs (if applicable)
• Marriage certificate (for married women changing names)
• Payment of the prescribed fee

3. Documents Required: Children Under 18

• Child's birth certificate
• Both parents' national IDs or passports
• Parents' marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Passport photos of the child
• Consent letter from both parents
• Death certificate if one parent is deceased
• Payment of the prescribed fee

4. Documents Required: Lost/Damaged Passport Replacement

• A duly filled application Form 19 and 2 payment invoices
• Original ID and a copy for Adults
• Previous Passport and a copy
• Personal Statement explaining circumstances for the damage
• Sworn Affidavit to support above
• Payment of the prescribed fee

5. Application Process - Step By Step

Step 1: eCitizen Account Creation

• Visit www.ecitizen.go.ke
• Register for an account if you don't have one
• Verify your account through your email

Step 2: Online Application

• Log into eCitizen portal
• Select "Directorate of Immigration Services"
• Choose "Passport Application"
• Fill Form 19 electronically
• Upload required scanned documents
• Pay the applicable fee online

6. Application Process: Payment & Booking Appointment

Step 3: Payment

Current Passport Fees (Subject to change):

• 34-page Ordinary Passport: Ksh 7,550
• 50-page Ordinary Passport: Ksh 9,050
• 66-page Ordinary Passport: Ksh 12,550

Payment Methods:

• M-Pesa (Paybill number: 206206)
• You can also receive a payment prompt via phone number registered on your eCitizen account
• Credit/Debit cards
• Airtel Money
• Bank deposits

Step 4: Booking Appointment

• After payment, book an appointment through your eCitizen portal
• Choose from Nairobi (Nyayo House), Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Embu, or Kisii
• Print your application summary and payment receipt

7. Application Process: Biometric Capture

Step 5: Biometric Capture

• Visit the Immigration office on your appointment date
• Bring all original documents and photocopies
• You will have your fingerprints and photo taken
• Receive an acknowledgment slip with tracking number

8. Passport Collection

• Processing time: Typically 21-28 working days (may take much longer)
• Track status online using your tracking number
• When passport is ready, collect in person with your ID and acknowledgment slip
• For minors, collecting parent must present their ID

9. Special Categories

Dual Citizenship Holders:

• Present dual citizenship certificate
• Surrender previous foreign passport (for scrutiny)

Persons with Disabilities:

• Medical assessment report if unable to provide fingerprints
• Can apply through an appointed assistant

Urgent/Express Processing:

• Available at extra cost (approximately double standard fee)
• Processed within 3-7 working days

10. Important Notes

• All documents must be original and legible
• Photographs must meet ICAO standards
• Names must match across all documents
• Report lost passports immediately to police and Immigration
• Expired passports must be surrendered when collecting new ones
• Keep copies of all submitted documents

11. Contact Information

• Directorate of Immigration Services: +254-20-2222022, +254-20-2224105
• Email: passports@immigration.go.ke
• Headquarters: Nyayo House, Kenyatta Ave/Uhuru Highway, Nairobi

If you do not get a response calling above numbers, you can contact OMNI Hospitality Systems™ via voice or WhatsApp on +254710247295 to check if there are any new alternative numbers to the above.

12. Tips for Success

• Apply well before your travel dates
• Double-check all information before submission
• Ensure photos meet specifications (recent, front view, white background)
• Keep your acknowledgment slip safe
• Monitor your application status by sending a text message to 22222 with your Application number, normally starting with EPP1- or CPP1- followed by UPPER CASE letters and numbers..

Note: Requirements and procedures may change. Always check the official eCitizen portal or visit an Immigration office for the most current information.