Northern Kenya Welcomes New Passport Office in Garissa, Thanks to Ruto’s Initiative

In a resolute stride toward equity in public service, President William Ruto inaugurated Kenya’s 10th immigration office on Thursday, nestled in the heart of Garissa County. This significant move aims to streamline the passport application process for the residents of Northern Kenya. But why is this such a momentous occasion?

Picture a resident from Mandera, Wajir, or Tana River, trekking arduous journeys to Nairobi, Mombasa, or Nakuru merely to procure a passport. The inconvenience and costs add up, don’t they? Now, with a fresh immigration hub in Garissa, much of that frustration dissipates. The office is strategic, convenient, and, more importantly, a promise kept by Ruto’s administration. As someone once said, “Access delayed is access denied,” and the President seems keen on cutting through the red tape.

The Garissa office is not a solitary gesture. It follows the recent establishments in Kericho and Bungoma, joining the family of passport application centres across key cities such as Kisumu, Embu, and Eldoret. Evidently, Ruto’s vision is not only to decentralize but also to democratize access to essential state services.

As President Ruto remarked at the inauguration, this centre symbolizes his administration’s commitment to bridging gaps and ensuring that every Kenyan, regardless of geographical location, enjoys equal rights and access to government amenities. Have you ever wondered what such promises mean for the local populace?

In fact, Garissa and other regional facilities were suspended from issuing passports back in 2014. This adherence to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines was meant to bolster the security of travel documents against forgery and fraud. It was a necessary move, yet one that left many at a disadvantage.

Fast forward to today, the scene has changed. Thanks to investments in a modern e-passport Management System, the Directorate of Immigration is now adequately equipped to decentralize the passport application process while keeping in line with global and ICAO standards. Isn’t it refreshing when technology and policy align to serve people better?

Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary for Immigration & Citizen Services, celebrated this reopening. He emphasized that lifting the vetting requirement for national identity cards in border counties was a crucial step toward fairness and equality in accessing national identity documents. Commenting on the new service in Garissa, Bitok expressed confidence that many eligible applicants would readily seek the services provided.

“Yesterday in Wajir,” Bitok recounted, “the President signed a proclamation vacating vetting for ID cards in the North Eastern region and other border counties. With the new Immigration office in Garissa, we believe eligible applicants will flock in big numbers to apply for passports and other services.” Bitok’s words captured a palpable optimism, a belief that this infrastructural leap would spur a bureaucratic renaissance in the region.

Beyond easing the passport acquisition process, the Garissa office introduces a dedicated migrant labour desk. This pioneering feature is set to expedite passport procedures for those seeking overseas employment opportunities. Additionally, the office will be pivotal in serving roughly 2,000 Hajj pilgrims and individuals traveling for medical, educational, business, or leisure purposes.

Indeed, the opening of the Garissa immigration office heralds more than a localized convenience. It marks a rejuvenation of policy, a nod to the cries of those in remote counties who yearn for efficient and equitable service delivery. President Ruto’s actions affirm a simple yet profound principle: governance should cater to all, not just a privileged few. Isn’t it time that all voices are heard?

The endeavors of the Kenyan government, as highlighted by this launch, demonstrate a keen understanding of the intricate balance between compliance with international standards and meeting the immediate needs of its citizens. As we bask in this policy evolution, one can only hope that it sets a precedent for other essential services across the nation. After all, isn’t governance all about serving people effectively?

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring