Kenya: Changes to Processing Times; New Travel Security System at Entry Ports and New Digital Identity Document System Forthcoming
February 22, 2023
To overcome a growing backlog, the Kenyan government intends to expedite the processing, printing and issuance of the East African Community biometric passports. Additionally, the government has disclosed plans to reduce the standard processing time to 21 days for all citizenship, permanent residency, and work permit applications and has set the standard processing time for appeals to seven days within the receipt of the recommendation from the Directorate of Immigration Services. Additionally, the government will be implementing a travel security system at all ports of entry into Kenya, with an exemption for Kenyans and East Africans, that is expected to reduce immigration counter queues. Finally, the government is planning to reduce the standard processing time for identity applications for Kenyans living in neighboring countries and is also planning to implement a biometric identity card system (called the Unique Personal Identifier) to be used as an identity card for foreign nationals with social security numbers. These changes are meant to curb fraud and tampering with the information contained in passports, to fast track applications, and improve the entry and exit tracking systems of travelers in Kenya.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Senior Associate Oliver L. Ashworth and Director David Iannella discuss recent US immigration and visa changes and what German businesses and travelers should know.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how UK hospitality employers face heightened risk as visa sponsors and why it is important for them to understand their responsibilities to avoid penalties.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the expansion of Nomadic to the Nordics, providing end-to-end support for short-term business travel and cross-border compliance.
Blog post
Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.
Media mentions
Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.
Blog post
This blog post by Manager Virginie Todesco and Immigration Consultant Chiara Caredda, available in English and Portuguese, outlines the requirements, benefits and application process for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.
Awards
Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.
Awards
Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.
Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.
Fragomen news
Media mentions
Senior Associate Oliver L. Ashworth and Director David Iannella discuss recent US immigration and visa changes and what German businesses and travelers should know.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how UK hospitality employers face heightened risk as visa sponsors and why it is important for them to understand their responsibilities to avoid penalties.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the expansion of Nomadic to the Nordics, providing end-to-end support for short-term business travel and cross-border compliance.
Blog post
Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.
Media mentions
Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.
Blog post
This blog post by Manager Virginie Todesco and Immigration Consultant Chiara Caredda, available in English and Portuguese, outlines the requirements, benefits and application process for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.
Awards
Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.
Awards
Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.
Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.
Fragomen news