Is the 50-Page Kenyan Passport Gone? Why You Can Only Apply for the 66-Page Series Now

If you have tried applying for a passport recently, you might have noticed something is missing, you guessed it, the 50-page passport appears to be unavailable following the earlier disappearance of the 34-page booklet last year.

If you want to apply for a passport, the only option you have is applying for the 66-page version, which goes for KES 12,550. 

The "Silent" Phase Out: What’s Happening?

Last year, when I was applying for my passport, I realised that the 34-page option had been removed. I was really frustrated because I was travelling soon, so I was forced to pay extra for the 50-page passport. Now, the 50-page passport has been removed as well.

When you visit the eCitizen website and try to apply for a passport, you won’t see the 50-page category; it has been wiped out entirely. instead you will see the 66-page category, so you have no option but to apply for the 66-page category.

The Cost Implication

Passport Type	Cost (Ksh)	Current Status
34 Pages (Series A)	7,550	Often Unavailable
50 Pages (Series B)	9,550	MISSING / REMOVED
66 Pages (Series C)	12,550	Available (Only Option)

This has effectively raised the minimum entry price for a passport by KES 3, 000-4,500, depending on what was previously available.

Read Also: Kenyan Passport Drops to 70th in Henley Global Passport Index 2025

Why Is This Happening?

One of the main reasons why the 34-page category was removed was due to a booklet shortage, and now I think the 50-page category has been removed due to the same reason.

Another likely factor is the sheer volume of applications. When demand spikes, the government often faces production bottlenecks. Limiting the options to just one booklet type might be a strategy to streamline printing and clear the backlog faster

Also, by removing the 50-page passport, the government might be aiming to streamline the system through simplifying the application process, making it clear for applicants and administrators to manage.

Ultimately, Kenya is constantly updating its ePassport systems to meet East African Community (EAC) and ICAO standards, and these lead to specific series being halted if printing machines for that specific booklet thickens reuires maintenance, or software updates that are incompatible with current stock.

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

What Should Applicants Do?

If you need to travel immediatley you need to bite the bullet and apply for the 66-page version to avoid delays, because the 50-page version might not be coming back anytime soon, and if you had already applied for the 50-page passport and had not gone for the biometrics, you might need to add an extra KES 3,000 to get the 66-page version.

We have no official word from the government regarding this action; however, I will keep you updated on the latest regarding this issue.

Read Also: Stages of Passport Processing in Kenya After Application

Conclusion

That said, this silent change will undoubtedly catch many applicants off guard. It is particularly unfortunate for those who have already paid but haven’t gone for biometrics yet, as they will now likely be forced to top up the difference for the 66-page passport

Have you tried applying recently? Let us know in the comments if you saw the 50-page option.