Kenyans planning to travel abroad for business, leisure, study, or vacation must apply for a Kenyan passport. You can apply for the document through the e-citizen portal before submitting the hard copies to various Kenyan Immigration offices across the country. So, what are the different types of passports in Kenya?
A passport is an official document issued by a government, certifying the holder's identity and citizenship and entitling them to travel under its protection to and from foreign countries. The Kenyan passports have the coat of arms emblazoned in gold at the centre of the front cover. The pages of the passports are also watermarked with the Kenyan coat of arms.
Types of passports in Kenya
There are various types of Kenyan passports. Therefore, before you apply for one, you should know the category you belong to.
1. Diplomatic passport
This type of document is accessible to key government officials and government ambassadors, including the president, deputy president, cabinet secretaries, and Chief Justice. It has a maroon cover.
2. Ordinary passport
This is one of the most popular types of passport because it is issued to the general public while travelling abroad. The class of the citizenry that uses this passport are people who are not in top government positions, military, parastatals or government security agencies.
This document takes about ten years for it to expire. Its cover is light blue. It is imperative to note that no Kenyan is permitted to hold multiple ordinary passports at a time.
3. East Africa passport
This is one of the travel documents in Kenya used for travelling within the East African Community. The travel document lasts for only six months. Some of the countries within EAC include Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.
4. Mutilated passport
This is a passport that the bearer intentionally and materially changes its physical appearance or composition. It is not valid for travel and must be replaced. To obtain a new passport, the applicant must submit the following:
- A duly filled application Form 19 and 2 payment invoices.
- Original ID and a copy for adults.
- Previous passport and a copy.
- Personal statement explaining circumstances for the damage.
- Sworn affidavit to show that the document was damaged.
- Payment of the prescribed fee of Ksh.10,050.
5. Temporary passport
This is a travel document valid for one year and issued to Kenyans when travelling outside the country. Unlike a business visa, which is also temporary, this document can only allow you to travel within East African countries.
6. Lost passport
A lost passport can cause inconvenience when travelling. The government encourages travellers to report a lost passport to the nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate as soon as possible.
8. Certificate of identity
A certificate of identity is a travel document given by a country to non-citizens living within their borders who cannot obtain a passport from their country of nationality. This document is also referred to as an alien's passport.
A summary of Kenyan passports with their prices
Below is a summary of various types of passports in Kenya, plus their application fees.
| Type of Passport | Amount in KSh |
| Ordinary passport | (34 pages - 4,550), (50 pages- 6,050), (66 pages -7,550) |
| Diplomatic passports | 7,550 |
| Mutilated passport | 10,050 |
| Lost passport | 12,050.00 |
| Certificate of Identity (for Foreigners) | 3,050.00 |
| Temporary permit | 350 |
What is the difference between ordinary and diplomatic passports in Kenya?
A diplomatic passport is one that high-ranking government officials use to travel abroad, while an ordinary passport is used by the general public.
Quick facts about passports in Kenya
- How strong is the Kenyan passport? According to the Henley Passport Index Report, the Kenyan passport is currently ranked 67th among global passports. It is also the eighth most powerful African passport.
- Are Kenyan passports biometric? Modern Kenyan passports have various biometric features. The current passport contains the holder's biodata, such as fingerprints, digitally stored photos and signatures.
- How much will I pay for an ordinary Kenyan passport? To get a 32-page document, you will pay Ksh. 4,550, 50-page costs Ksh. 6,050 and 66-page costs Ksh. 7,550.
- What is the validity period for a Kenyan passport? Kenyan passports have a validity period of ten years.
- Where can Kenyans in the diaspora apply for passports? Kenyans in the diaspora can undergo the passport process at various foreign missions. These include Washington DC, Dubai, London, Berlin, Pretoria, and Paris.
- How long does it take to get a Kenyan passport? Getting a Kenyan passport should always take at least ten working days once you have submitted your form at the Immigration offices. However, there have been several cases of delays, at times long as two months.
The final word on the different types of passports in Kenya
A passport is an essential document for all travellers. Kenyans who want to visit other African countries, Europe, and other overseas countries must have a passport. The above are the different types of passports in Kenya you must know before applying.
Tuko.co.ke recently published an article about the NHIF rates, benefits, and penalties. The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) must provide medical coverage to its members and their dependents.
NHIF membership is open to anyone aged 18 and above. If you are employed, the employer is expected to remit some amount towards NHIF payments. Self-employed Kenyans must make their monthly contributions through the means outlined by the fund.
