If you are planning to travel outside Kenya for work, education, business, tourism or other purposes, one of the first documents you will need is a valid Kenyan passport.
The good news is that Kenyan passport applications are made online through the eCitizen platform. After completing the online application and paying the required fee, applicants must book an appointment and appear in person for document submission and biometric enrolment.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Kenyan passport.
What Is a Kenyan Passport?
The Government of Kenya issues ePassports to Kenyan citizens, and the passport is valid for 10 years.
A passport allows Kenyan citizens to travel internationally and serves as an official identity and citizenship document when travelling outside the country.
Who Can Apply for a Kenyan Passport?
Kenyan citizens can apply for a passport, including:
- Adults applying for their first passport
- Minors
- People renewing an expired passport
- People replacing a lost or mutilated passport
- Applicants changing their names, subject to the relevant requirements
The documents required depend on the type of application.
Requirements for a First-Time Kenyan Passport
For a first-time adult applicant, the Directorate of Immigration Services lists the following requirements:
- Duly completed Form 19
- Two payment invoices
- Original Kenyan birth certificate and a copy
- Original national ID and a copy
- Payment of the prescribed passport fee
For minors, additional documents are required, including a duly completed consent form and parents’ identification and birth documents as applicable.
For Minors
Parents or guardians should prepare the required documents before beginning the application.
The Immigration Directorate lists requirements including:
- Birth certificate
- Consent form
- Copies of parents’ national IDs or death certificates where applicable
- Original and copies of parents’ birth certificates
- Other documents that may be required depending on the circumstances
How to Apply for a Kenyan Passport Online
Step 1: Create or Log Into Your eCitizen Account
Visit the official Government of Kenya eCitizen platform and log in to your account.
Passport applications are processed through the Directorate of Immigration Services on eCitizen.
Step 2: Access Passport Services
After logging in, access the Directorate of Immigration Services and select the passport application service.
The system allows applicants to apply for, renew or replace passports online.
Step 3: Select the Type of Application
Choose the service that applies to you.
For example:
- New passport
- Passport renewal
- Replacement of a lost passport
- Replacement of a mutilated passport
- Change of names
Make sure you select the correct application category because different categories have different documentation requirements.
Step 4: Fill in the Application Form
Enter your personal information carefully.
Check details such as:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Nationality
- National ID details
- Parents’ details
- Contact information
Make sure the information matches your official documents.
Step 5: Upload or Provide the Required Information
Follow the instructions on eCitizen and provide the documents and information requested for your particular application.
Before submitting, double-check your details to avoid mistakes that could delay processing.
Step 6: Pay the Passport Fee
After completing the application, pay the applicable passport fee through the available eCitizen payment options.
The current Directorate of Immigration Services fee schedule lists the following ordinary passport fees:
| Passport | Fee |
|---|---|
| 34 pages | KSh 7,550 |
| 50 pages | KSh 9,550 |
| 66 pages | KSh 12,050 |
| Diplomatic passport – 50 pages | KSh 15,050 |
| Lost or mutilated passport | KSh 20,050 |
These are the fees currently published by the Directorate of Immigration Services, so applicants should verify the amount displayed on eCitizen before making payment.
Which Passport Should You Choose?
For most ordinary travellers, the 34-page passport may be sufficient if they do not travel frequently.
If you travel regularly and expect to collect many visas and immigration stamps, you may prefer the 50-page or 66-page option.
Your choice should depend on your travel needs and the current options presented during the application.
Step 7: Print Your Application Documents
After completing the application and payment, follow the instructions to download and print the required application documents.
Keep the printed documents safely because you will need them when attending your appointment.
Step 8: Book Your Appointment
After completing the application and paying the required fees, you must book an appointment through eCitizen for passport submission and biometric enrolment.
Do not assume that completing the online application means the passport process is finished.
You still need to attend the appointment in person.
Step 9: Attend the Appointment
Applicants are required to appear in person for submission of the application and biometric enrolment.
The process includes capturing your photograph and biometrics.
Take your original documents and the required copies with you.
Passport Processing Centres in Kenya
The Directorate of Immigration Services currently lists passport processing centres in:
- Nairobi – Nyayo House
- Mombasa
- Kisumu
- Eldoret
- Nakuru
- Embu
- Kisii
- Kericho
- Bungoma
Choose the centre available to you when booking your appointment.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Kenyan Passport?
The Directorate of Immigration Services’ 2025 service charter lists 14 working days for passport issuance.
However, applicants should avoid making important travel arrangements based solely on the stated processing period. Actual collection can depend on processing and other circumstances.
Wait for the official notification that your passport is ready.
How to Collect Your Kenyan Passport
Once you receive notification that your passport has been printed and is ready for collection, you should go to the application centre.
According to the Directorate of Immigration Services, you should present:
- Invoice
- Original ID
- Original birth certificate for minors
- Previous passport in cases of replacement
Make sure the details on the passport are correct before leaving the collection centre.
What If You Lose Your Passport?
Replacing a lost passport requires additional documentation.
The Directorate of Immigration Services lists requirements including:
- Form 19 and two payment invoices
- Original ID and copy for adults
- Personal statement explaining the circumstances of the loss
- Sworn affidavit
- Police abstract
- Copy of the lost passport’s biodata page, if available
- Payment of the prescribed fee
The current fee listed for a lost passport is KSh 20,050.
What If Your Passport Is Damaged?
For a mutilated passport, applicants are required to provide additional documentation, including a personal statement explaining the circumstances of the damage and a sworn affidavit, together with the previous passport and other required documents.
The current published fee is KSh 20,050.
Tips for a Smooth Passport Application
1. Check Your Documents Before Applying
Make sure your name and date of birth are consistent across your documents.
2. Use the Official eCitizen Platform
Avoid unofficial agents or websites that claim they can process passports for you.
3. Don’t Make Fake Documents
Submitting false documents can have serious consequences. Always provide genuine information.
4. Book Your Appointment After Completing the Application
Remember that online application and payment are followed by an appointment for document submission and biometrics.
5. Keep Your Invoice
Keep your payment invoice and application documents safely because they may be required during submission and collection.
6. Check Your Passport Before Leaving
When collecting your passport, check your:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Photograph
- Other personal details
If you notice an error, raise it with the relevant Immigration officials.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Kenyan passport cost?
The current official fees are KSh 7,550 for 34 pages, KSh 9,550 for 50 pages and KSh 12,050 for 66 pages. Lost or mutilated passports are listed at KSh 20,050.
Can I apply for a Kenyan passport online?
Yes. Passport applications and payment are made online through the Directorate of Immigration Services on eCitizen.
Do I need to go to an Immigration office?
Yes. Applicants must attend an appointment in person for submission of documents and biometric enrolment.
How long is a Kenyan passport valid?
Kenyan ePassports are valid for 10 years.
Can children apply for passports?
Yes. Minors can apply, but additional requirements such as a consent form and parents’ documents apply.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a Kenyan passport is now largely an online process, but applicants still need to prepare their documents, pay the required fee, book an appointment and attend a biometric enrolment session in person.
The most important thing is to use the official eCitizen and Immigration Services channels and check the latest requirements before applying, as fees and procedures can change.
Official application portal: Directorate of Immigration Services on eCitizen
Official requirements: Kenya Immigration passport requirements
Official fees: Kenya passport fees
