The Ministry of Interior has moved swiftly to quell growing anxiety among Kenyans following reports of a passport booklet shortage that threatened to derail travel plans for thousands. In a decisive statement, the government has admitted to temporary supply chain constraints affecting specific series but vowed that processing will not stall.

This assurance comes against a backdrop of mounting frustration on social media, where applicants have shared screenshots of the eCitizen portal showing the unavailability of the popular 34-page "A" series and the 50-page "B" series booklets. For a country with a surging labour export market and a mobile middle class, any hiccup in travel document issuance is not just an administrative lapse; it is an economic bottleneck. The government’s acknowledgement is a critical first step, but the "when" remains the lingering question on every applicant's mind.

The Supply Chain Bottleneck

The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, in its communique, attributed the current unavailability to "temporary supply chain disruptions" but stopped short of providing a definitive timeline for restocking. However, they were quick to clarify that the shortage is restricted to specific booklet categories and does not amount to a total system paralysis.

"We wish to assure all applicants that measures have been put in place to ensure that their applications are processed within the stipulated timelines," the statement read in part. "The unavailability of the A and B series is a temporary situation that is being addressed with the urgency it deserves."

• The Affected Series: The "A" series (34 pages) and "B" series (50 pages) are the most sought-after by regular travelers and students due to their affordability.
• The Alternative: Currently, the 66-page "C" series and Diplomatic passports remain available, forcing some desperate travelers to opt for the more expensive options.
• Processing Continuity: Officials insist that biometric capture and approval stages are ongoing, meaning the backlog will technically be at the printing stage only.

A History of Backlogs

This is not the first time Nyayo House has found itself in the eye of a storm regarding passport issuance. Throughout 2024 and 2025, the department battled a historic backlog that saw applicants waiting for months—some even years—for documents that should legally take 14 days. The current administration had largely succeeded in clearing that rot, introducing a "First-In-First-Out" policy and procuring modern printers.

Critics, however, argue that this recurrence points to a structural failure in procurement planning. "A passport is a right, not a privilege," said a disgruntled applicant at Nyayo House this morning. "If the government knows the rate of application, why is the procurement of booklets not automated to match demand?" The Ministry has promised that the next consignment of booklets is due "shortly," a term that applicants hope means days, not weeks.

For now, Kenyans wishing to travel are advised to submit their applications regardless of the booklet status to clear the approval hurdles. The government’s promise is on the table; the delivery is what the nation is watching.