Requirements for a Kenyan Passport Application

1. Requirements for a New Kenyan Passport (First time application)

• Original and copy of the birth certificate.
• Original and copy of national identity card.
• Copy of parent's national identity card or death certificate (if deceased).
• Certificate of registration or naturalization, if applicable.
• Three current passport photos with a white background.
• Service identity card for member of the Defence Force.
• One photocopy of the recommender's / referrers  national identity card.

2. Renewal of a Kenyan Passport (Replacement)

• Original current expired or filled-up passport being replaced.
• Copy of the bio-data page and the last three pages of the passport.
• Original and copy of the birth certificate used to issue the passport.
• Original and copy of national identity card.
• Copy of parent's national identity card or death certificate (if deceased).
• Certificate of registration or naturalization, if applicable.
• Three current passport photos.
• Service identity cards for members of the Defence Force.
• One photocopy of the recommender's / referrers  national identity card.

3. Requirements for a Lost or Mutilated Kenyan Passport

• An affidavit detailing the circumstances under which the mutilation or damage occurred.
• Mutilated or damaged Passport to be replaced and its copy.
• Personal Statement explaining circumstances for the damage.
• Original and copy of the birth certificate used to issue the passport.
• Original and copy of national identity card.
• Copy of parent's national identity card or death certificate (if deceased).
• Certificate of registration or naturalization, if applicable.
• Three current passport photos.
• Service identity cards for members of the Defence Force.
• One photocopy of the recommender's / referrers  national identity card.

4. Replacing a Lost or Stolen Kenyan Passport

• A sworn affidavit of the circumstances surrounding the loss or theft.
• A police report on the loss of the passport
• Copy of the lost passport bio-data page if available
• Original and copy of the birth certificate.
• Original and copy of national identity card.
• Copy of parent's national identity card or death certificate (if deceased)
• Certificate of registration or naturalization, if applicable.
• Three current passport photos.
• Service identity cards for members of the Defence Force;
• One photocopy of the recommender's / referrers  national identity card

In order to obtain a Kenyan passport, a person is required to complete an online application form on the eCitizen portal . Create an account and select the passport application option under the Directorate of Immigration services.

You need a passport photograph to apply for a passport online. You must get a new photo even if your appearance hasn't changed. The photo must be taken within the last month. Your application will be delayed if the photos don't meet the rules.

The standard size for a Kenyan passport photo is 2x2. 5 inches or 51x64 mm.

Kenyan passport applications typically take 10-21 working days to process. However, timelines may vary based on immigration office workload and individual requirements.

Applicants with urgent and emergency cases, such as official assignments abroad, medical emergencies, study, scholarships, or returning to work, can choose an express service and provide supporting documents, which takes 3-5 working days.

To avoid delays, ensure all required documents are submitted accurately and on time.

Age restrictions for applying for a Kenyan passport are as follows:

• Children : Children under the age of 18 must have their application forms signed by both parents or legal guardians. They also require a copy of the birth certificate and the parents' or guardians' identification documents.
• Adults : For adults aged 18 and above, there are no specific age restrictions for applying for a Kenyan passport. As long as all the required documents are provided, such as proof of citizenship, identification documents, and application forms.

It is important to note that certain additional requirements may apply depending on the applicant's age and circumstances.

Kenyan passports can be applied for online through the eCitizen portal. Applicants can fill out forms, upload required documents, and make payments digitally. However, in-person submission of documents and biometric enrollment is still required, even with the online application process.

Some common eligibility criteria for obtaining a Kenyan passport include:

1. Citizenship : Applicants must be Kenyan citizens to qualify for a Kenyan passport. This can be proven through birth certificates, national identity cards, Certificate of registration or naturalization or other relevant documentation.
2. Age: There are different application processes and requirements for minors and adults applying for a Kenyan passport. Minors may need additional documents such as parental consent letter, custody, legal guardian or birth certificates.
3. Application Form 19: Applicants need to fill out the appropriate application form accurately and provide all required information.
4. Supporting Documents : Supporting documents such as identification cards, birth certificates, proof of citizenship,parents identification cards and passport photographs are typically required during the application process.
5. Fees: Applicants must pay the prescribed fees for processing the passport application.
6. Application Process: The application process may involve submitting the completed form along with supporting documents to the immigration processing centres or embassy/consulate if applying from abroad.