Kenya Restores 50-Page and 66-Page Passports, Prices Remain the Same
The Kenyan government, through the Directorate of Immigration Services, has restored the 50- and 66 pages passport after they were removed a while back, and they replaced the 34-page passport on June 27, 2026; we covered the story here.
While the two booklet options are back to normal, price tiers remain unchanged, and applicants can choose based on travel frequency versus upfront cost.
50-Page and 66-Page Passports Return to eCitizen
Since June 27, applicants were limited to the 34-page passport only (“A series”) booklets, but right now the eCitizen portal has reinstated the 50-page (“B series”) and 66-page (“C series) passports.
Current Kenyan Passport Fees Breakdown
Fortunately, the prices of these two booklets are the same; below are the prices:
34-Page Ordinary Passport (Series A): KSh 7,550
50-Page Ordinary Passport (Series B): KSh 9,550
66-Page Ordinary Passport (Series C): KSh 12,050
For a replacement passport in case it gets lost or damaged, you have to pay KES 20,050, and for a diplomatic passport, the price is KES 15,050.
Read Also: Stages of Passport Processing in Kenya After Application
Why Was the Option Temporarily Restricted?
The government has not explained why the 50-page and 66-page passport options were temporarily removed. While there are a few possible reasons as seen below, these remain speculations, as the authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
Ongoing Supply Challenges:
The Directorate of Immigration Services (DIS) appears to be struggling to keep all three passport sizes available at the same time. Instead of having a steady supply, some passport types become unavailable while others remain in stock.
This could explain why applicants were left with only the 34-page passport in June, although the government has not confirmed the exact reason for the changes. I also think the government was trying to give a chance for more people to apply by bringing back the 34-page passport because it was cheaper.
Avoiding Long Application Delays:
Another possible reason for limiting the available passport options is to avoid accepting applications for booklets that are out of stock. In the past, applicants could face long waits if they paid for a passport that was not ready to be printed, leading the then Minister of interior Proffessor Kithure Kindiki, to intervene by visiting Nyayo House to check progress back in 2023.
By showing only the available options on eCitizen, the DIS could be trying to prevent more applications from getting stuck in the system.
However, the government has not confirmed whether this is why the passport options were changed.
Financial Burden Shifting:
When the government fails to procure the more affordable 34-page (KSh 7,550) or 50-page (KSh 9,500) booklets, they do not pause the application process. By leaving only the premium 66-page (KSh 12,500) active, they effectively force citizens who urgently need to travel to absorb the cost of the state's supply chain failures.
Keep in mind that because the 50- and 66-page passports are that doesn’t mean that they are there permanently, they might be removed in the future, including the 34-page passport, because it has happened before.
Which Passport Booklet Size Should You Apply For?
Choose 34 Pages (KSh 7,550): Casual travellers, holidaymakers, students, or those making 1–2 trips per year.
The 50-page booklet is especially important for those who travel occasionally for business trips, holidays, and studies abroad, while the 66-page passport is for those who travel regularly for work and business or tourism.
What Current Applicants Need to Know Before Applying
For applicants applying for a passport for the first time, make sure you have the following documents.
- Original ID and a photocopy
- Original birth certificate and a photocopy
- Parents' Documents: Original and copies of their National IDs and birth certificates (or death certificates if deceased).
- Recommender's ID: A photocopy of the National ID of a Kenyan citizen who can vouch for your identity. (Recommended for those who live near the border).
- Photos: 4 recent passport-sized photos (35x45mm on a plain white background). Although they might just ask for one passport photo.
Steps for Passport application in Kenya
Log in to your eCitizen account
Complete Form 19, and this includes selecting your preferred booklet size. You will need to enter and upload your personal details and your parents' details, including a copy of your passport photo and signature.
After filling out Form 19, make sure there are no mistakes, then proceed to pay the invoice through M-Pesa (Paybill 222222), debit card/credit card, and once the payment has gone through, download and print the application form and the copies of payment receipts, government copy, and your own copy.
Go ahead and book an appointment date and biometric capture center, which include Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Embu, Kisii, Bungoma, and Kericho.
Once your appointment date arrives, make sure to attend in person, and in case you miss the date, you can simply book another date without paying or going through the application process. Once in the capture centre, an immigration officer will take your fingerprints, a live photo, and a digital signature.
Once your passport is printed and it is ready for collection, you will be notified via sms from the Directorate of Immigration Services, and you must pick it up in person from the same centre where you did your biometrics, bringing along your original National ID, tracking number, and the receipt.
