The government has finally addressed public anger after Kenyans complained about the abrupt disappearance of lower-cost passport options on the eCitizen portal, a move that left applicants with no choice but to pay higher application fees.

The controversy sparked widespread criticism online and calls for accountability from the authorities.

In a statement released on Friday, February 6, 2026, the Directorate of Immigration Services confirmed it was aware of concerns surrounding the missing A and B Series passport booklets on the eCitizen system, which had previously offered more affordable alternatives for applicants.

“Directorate of Immigration Services is apprised of concerns raised by passport applicants on the unavailability of A and B Series booklets in the eCitizen application portal,” the X post read.

The Directorate said it had put in place measures to ensure that all passport applications are processed promptly and without causing inconvenience to applicants, amid growing frustration over delays and increased costs.

The Ministry of Interior also issued a similar statement, confirming that it was aware of the concerns and reassuring Kenyans that efforts were underway to resolve the issue.

“We reaffirm our commitment to facilitate travel in line with our mandate as we make efforts to ensure that all passport series are available,” the Ministry said, while appealing for patience as the matter is addressed.

However, neither office explained the unavailability of the cheaper passport options, leaving questions over what triggered the situation.

The development follows public scrutiny after Kenyans observed that the eCitizen portal now offers only the 66-page passport, priced at Ksh12,500, for both new applications and standard renewals.

 A review of the platform shows that the 50-page passport, which previously cost Ksh9,500, has been quietly removed, effectively leaving applicants with a single, more expensive option.

Passport fees

This comes after the government, in July 2025, discontinued the 34-page passport, the most affordable at Ksh7,500, citing operational and supply constraints, without outlining a long-term solution.

With both lower-cost options now unavailable, the minimum cost of obtaining a Kenyan passport has risen to Ksh12,500, triggering public backlash from citizens who argue the move unfairly burdens low-income earners at a time of mounting economic hardship.

Although the online portal no longer provides the 50-page passport to first-time applicants, the larger booklet remains available in exceptional circumstances, including replacements for lost or damaged passports.

At the same time, Kenya’s passport has regained some global standing, rising five places to 68th in the latest Henley Passport Index released in January.

The improvement follows a period of decline, during which the passport slipped to 73rd place in October 2025, limiting holders to visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 70 destinations.

Under the 2026 rankings, Kenyan passport holders can now enter 69 destinations without securing a visa beforehand, reflecting a modest but notable recovery in international travel access.

The Henley Passport Index is compiled using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the world’s most extensive travel database, and evaluates 199 passports across 227 destinations.