Garissa (AX) – In a significant move to streamline immigration services for Northern Kenya, President William Ruto officially opened Kenya’s 10th immigration office in Garissa County on Thursday. But what does this mean for the residents of this expansive region?
Imagine the winding roads to Nairobi becoming a thing of the past for those in Mandera, Wajir, Tana River, Lamu, Kitui, and Isiolo counties. This newly inaugurated office is a beacon of convenience, bringing passport and travel document services much closer to home and eliminating the burdensome treks to distant regional offices.
During the ceremony, President Ruto shed light on his administration’s broader ambition: equitable access to governmental services for every Kenyan. “This isn’t just about opening a door in Garissa,” he remarked with conviction, “it’s about honoring my promise to bring back passport printing to a region where it was halted in 2014.” And what better way to honor such commitments than with tangible action?
This establishment in Garissa follows in the footsteps of two other recent launches in Kericho and Bungoma, adding to an array of existing centers in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Embu, Eldoret, and Kisii. But why the decision to expand now? The answer lies in Kenya’s adoption of a cutting-edge e-passport management system. This technology doesn’t just decentralize services; it enhances security to meet the International Civil Aviation Organization’s standards, a leap forward from the centralized systems established in 2014 to combat forgery.
Julius Bitok, the Principal Secretary for Immigration & Citizen Services, highlighted another noteworthy development. He explained, “On Wednesday in Wajir, the President signed a proclamation doing away with ID card vetting in North Eastern regions and other border counties. With Garissa’s new office, we expect a surge in applicants eager to access passports and other vital services.”
The government’s strategy here is unmistakable: by positioning essential services within easier reach, they aim to foster social cohesion and provide momentum to the underserved populations’ economic engine. Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.” Could this initiative serve as a catalyst for change, empowering communities by sealing the gaps in service provision?
With eyes fixed on the horizon, President Ruto envisions this office not just as a local convenience but as a stepping stone towards regional equity and growth. Through this concerted effort, his administration hopes to harness the potential of marginalized areas, turning challenges into opportunities.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
