Uhuru extends new passports deadline to 2020

Kenyans can now continue using the old generation passports until March 2020 after the government on Thursday extended for validity of the travel documents.

The government had previously announced that the old passports would be invalid beginning September 1 this year, causing a scramble and last-minute rush for the new e-passports ahead of the deadline.

However, in a statement issued on Thursday Government Spokesperson Cyrus Oguna said President Uhuru Kenyatta had pushed the deadline to next year.

“President Uhuru Kenyatta has today directed Cabinet secretaries for Foreign Affairs and Interior to work with Foreign Missions across the world to facilitate the issuance of visas to Kenyans on the current passports,” said Col. Oguna.

“The directive has in effect, extended the deadline for travel on the new e-passport to March 1, 2020 for all Kenyans.”

Application for the new e-passports continues countrywide, with the government urging Kenyans to take advantage of the extension.

The process to acquire the new passports had turned into a nightmare for many Kenyans who were forced to spend long hours on the endless queues at Nyayo House in Nairobi.