If you’re applying for a Kenyan passport, the fastest way to avoid delays is to treat it like a checklist project: prepare your documents first, complete the online application correctly, then show up for biometrics with the right originals.
Quick overview
Kenya issues biometric passports (ePassports). The process typically follows this flow: apply online → pay → book/attend biometrics → track/collect. A lot of “delays” come from missing originals, mismatched names, or scanning/upload issues.
Requirements (documents you’ll be asked for)
The Directorate of Immigration Services publishes an official application requirements checklist. Use it as your source of truth, then double-check if your case is special (minors, replacement, change of particulars, Kenya by registration, etc.).
Step-by-step process (how to apply)
- 1Create / log into your eCitizen accountStart the passport application online. Diaspora guidance also references applying online via the passport eCitizen portal.
- 2Fill the application carefullyUse your passport bio page format (where applicable), ensure names match your official documents, and confirm dates are correct.
- 3Upload scans + pay the feeUpload the required supporting documents and pay the relevant passport category fee (ordinary 34/50/66 pages, replacement, etc.).
- 4Attend in-person verification + biometricsYou must appear in person for biometrics capture at an approved centre (Kenya) or selected foreign missions (diaspora).
- 5Track status and collect when readyUse official status/collection instructions from Immigration. Collection instructions can differ by station—follow the instructions for your biometrics centre.
Where to do biometrics (Kenya + selected diaspora missions)
Immigration publishes a list of stations for submission and biometrics capture. In Kenya, this includes key regional offices and some Huduma Centre locations. For diaspora, biometrics is supported at selected Kenya foreign missions (check your mission page before travelling).
- Nyayo House – Nairobi
- PCIO – Mombasa
- PCIO – Kisumu
- PCIO – Eldoret
- PCIO – Embu
- Huduma Centre – Kericho
- Huduma Centre – Bungoma
- Kenya Embassy – Berlin
- Kenya Embassy – Paris
- Kenya High Commission – London
- Kenya Embassy – Washington, DC
- Kenya Consulate – Dubai
- Kenya High Commission – Pretoria
- Kenya High Commission – Ottawa
Passport fees in Kenya (official fee table)
Fees depend on passport type/pages and whether it’s a replacement or change of particulars. Below is a clean summary of the official fee list.
| Category | Fee (KES) |
|---|---|
| Ordinary passport (A series) – 34 pages | 4,550 |
| Ordinary passport (B series) – 50 pages | 6,050 |
| Ordinary passport (C series) – 66 pages | 7,550 |
| Diplomatic passport | 7,550 |
| Service passport | 10,050 |
| Replacement for mutilated passport | 10,050 |
| Replacement for lost passport | 12,050 |
| Change of particulars | 2,050 |
Common mistakes to avoid (these cause most delays)
- Name mismatch across your documents (ID vs birth certificate vs parent IDs).
- Uploading unclear scans (cropped, blurred, low-contrast).
- Showing up without original documents for verification/biometrics.
- Selecting the wrong application category (renewal vs lost vs change of particulars).
- Assuming biometrics can be done “anywhere”—it must be at an approved centre.
FAQ
Yes—selected foreign missions support ePassport applications. Typical guidance is: apply online via the passport eCitizen portal, then appear in person for verification and biometrics at your mission.
Yes. Biometrics capture requires your physical presence at an approved centre (Kenya) or selected mission (diaspora).
Prepare your originals + clean scans in advance, keep names consistent, and use the official DIS requirements list as your checklist.