US reverses decision to disallow visa applications with old Kenyan Passports

US issues new order on Old Kenyan Passports

Mumbi Mutuko

May 1, 2019 2:11 PM

US issues special message to Kenyans over old passports

American embassy in Nairobi

Notably, the Embassy said on Wednesday that the move was temporary offering relief to those struggling to get the new electronic travel documents.

An Embassy spokesperson said applications will continue as usual until the public is informed otherwise.

A man showing his Kenyan passport Pulse Live Kenya

“Visa applicants may apply for a US visa with a non-digital Kenyan passport. We will place a US visa in a non-digital passport until further notice. Holders of current US visas do not need to take any action,” the Embassy announced on Twitter.

Sudden turn about

The Embassy did not explain reasons for the sudden about-turn, but Kenyans had complained via social media on the difficulty of obtaining the e-passport.

The Mission had said it would not give visas to Kenyans with old passports even though applicants were allowed to book interviews with the old document.

Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua Pulse Live Kenya

Last Friday, Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua revealed that government officers would not be allowed to travel outside the country without the e-passport.

Through an order that had been issued by Kinyua, the officers with old passports might not travel unless they acquired the new document.

The Public service boss had further noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would not help the officers in getting the visas for the old travel document.

Mumbi Mutuko