Kenyan Government to Open New Passport Office in Malindi — What It Means for North Coast Residents

The Kenya Government plans to open a new passport office in Malindi in 2026 to make it easier for north coast residents to access travel documents.

The new office will serve counties like Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River, reducing the need to travel to Mombasa or Nairobi for passport services.

Why Malindi was  Chosen for the New Passport Office

Malindi was selected primarily to accommodate the large volume of applicants from Kilifi County and the surrounding coastal area.

Another contributing factor is the considerable distance of roughly 116km from Malindi to Mombasa, a journey that can take up to 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Travelers seeking passport services in Mombasa often experience significant financial and time-related inefficiencies. They frequently encounter long queues, leading to delays and sometimes preventing them from being served on the same day.

This often necessitates booking overnight accommodation to receive assistance the following day, resulting in additional expenses and wasted time.

Malindi County Commissioner David Lusava announced that the decision aims to improve services, particularly for young people seeking overseas employment who currently have to travel to Mombasa for necessary documents.

The Malindi County Commissioner announced that passport processing will be available in Malindi starting early next year, eliminating the need for residents to travel to Mombasa or Nairobi.

He further stated that young Kenyans seeking work opportunities abroad, particularly in countries like the United Arab Emirates, faced difficulties obtaining passports. 

The new passport office aims to streamline this process. The Kenyan passport is currently ranked 70th, allowing Kenyans to visit up to 76 countries, which presents significant travel opportunities for work or study.

Benefits for Residents and the Local Economy

The new office will offer much-needed relief to the Malindi region by making immigration services more accessible to its residents.

Residents will save money and lost workdays by avoiding the long, expensive, and time-consuming journey to Mombasa or Nairobi, as they will no longer need to pay for transport and accommodations.

This streamlined passport application process, from submission to collection, will facilitate easier access to travel documents. This, in turn, will enable individuals to pursue international jobs, education, and business prospects.

Boost for the local economy

This initiative by the Ministry of Interior will create a positive ripple effect throughout Malindi's economy.

The office will require local personnel for administrative, security, and support functions. This will also lead to a surge in nearby businesses, such as cyber cafes, photo studios, photocopy shops, and food vendors, all catering to the needs of applicants.

Residents of nearby towns such as Watamu, Mambrui, and Kilifi will journey to Malindi, leading to increased spending on transport, food, and various goods, thereby stimulating the local economy.

Having a key government service helps establish Malindi as a central hub for the north coast, attracting further investment and development.

Expected Opening date and services to be offered 

We do not have specific opening dates to announce at the time of publication, but we will provide an update as soon as that information becomes available.

The new passport office is anticipated to provide services such as new passport applications, renewals, and replacements.

What Residents Should Do Before the Office Opens 

Residents must present specific documents for their passport application before the office opens. These include:

Requirements For New First-Time Applicants

• Original and a copy of the National ID card

• Original and a copy of the applicant's birth certificate

• Provide copies of both parents' national IDs. If either parent is deceased, a death certificate must be presented.

• The application form 19 after the application

• 2 payment invoices

Required Documents for Replacement Passports

• Completed application form 19

• Two invoices

• Fully completed consent form for minors

• Original and a copy of the previous passport

• Original and a copy of ID for adults

• Any other additional documents that may be required

Requirements for a Lost passport in Kenya

• An affidavit: A legal declaration detailing how, when, and where you lost your passport.

• A police abstract:  You must report the loss to a police station and get an abstract confirming the report

• Your original ID card and a copy

• Your Original birth certificate and a copy

• Three recent passport-sized photos

• Completed application form: This is done via the eCitizen portal

Requirements For a Mutilated Passport

• The original mutilated/damaged  passport: You must surrender the actual passport

• An Affidavit: A legal declaration explaining how the passport got damaged

• Your original ID and a copy

• Three recent passport-sized photos

The process

• Get an affidavit: Visit a commissioner for oaths or an agistrate to get a sworn affidavit explaining the damage

• Apply online: Go to the eCitizen portal, log in, and fill out the application form for a mutilated passport. You will upload the necessary documents and pay the required fee, which is KES 20,000

• Submit in person: Schedule an appointment to submit all your documents, including your old, damaged passport, and have your biometrics taken at your chosen immigration office 

Final Thoughts: A big win for the North Coast

The new Malindi passport office represents a significant move towards government decentralization and enhanced service delivery.

By making immigration services more accessible to the residents of Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River, the government is demonstrating a firm dedication to efficiency, inclusivity, and national development.

This initiative will not only benefit locals by saving them time and travel expenses, but it will also solidify Malindi's increasing importance as both an administrative and tourist hub.