Tag: Kithure Kindiki news

The Kenyan government has significantly improved passport processing times, according to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.

Backlog Cleared, New Wait Times Announced

In a statement on May 13th, Kindiki announced the successful clearing of a massive passport backlog that had accumulated between June 2021 and March 2024. This backlog of 724,000 passports has now been printed, with over 684,500 already collected by applicants.

More importantly, Kindiki revealed a dramatic reduction in wait times for new applicants. “Going forward,” he declared, “all new applicants will receive their passports within 21 days from the date of application.” Urgent cases will be processed even faster, receiving their passports immediately.

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Overcoming Challenges

Kindiki acknowledged the various challenges that had contributed to the backlog. These included securing funding, settling debts with suppliers, addressing corruption, and acquiring new high-capacity printing equipment.

Focus on Efficiency and Collection

With the backlog cleared, the focus now shifts to expediting the collection of the remaining uncollected passports and ensuring long-term efficiency. Kindiki emphasized the need for improvements in archival, record management, registry, and information technology management.

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Further Wait Time Reductions Expected

Kindiki also hinted at plans for further reductions in processing times, outlining a specific timeline but withholding the details for now. This suggests a commitment to ongoing improvements in passport services for Kenyans.

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki emphasizes the unwavering stance against illicit substances, declaring the recently announced actions irreversible.

However, Public Service CS Moses Kuria has raised concerns. He argues the current approach lacks a nuanced strategy and could negatively impact legitimate businesses.

Kuria Proposes “Soft Messaging”- He advocates for a multi-pronged approach, including legislative changes. Kuria believes a focus on the root cause – the taxation system – is crucial.

His Argument

High production taxes incentivize manufacturers to evade them or resort to illegal ingredients.

Kuria proposes eliminating a tax credit currently claimed by producers who haven’t paid the initial tax.

He suggests this reform would eliminate the unintended subsidization of illicit brews.

Alternatively, Moses  Kuria proposes a “softer approach” with revised legislation, emphasizing it as a long-term solution compared to temporary bar closures.

A Kenyan court has stopped the government from implementing new charges for ID cards and passports. The order came after a surgeon challenged the charges, saying they were unfair and unaffordable for many Kenyans.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi of the High Court in Nairobi issued the order on November 9, following a petition by Dr. Magare Gikenyi. Gikenyi had asked the court to block the new charges, which were announced by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on November 6.

Under the new charges, first-time applicants for ID cards would have to pay Sh1,000, while those replacing lost cards would have to pay Sh2,000. This is a 20-fold increase from the previous fee of Sh100.

Gikenyi argued in his petition that the new charges were “capricious and out of reach of many ordinary citizens.” He also said that the government had introduced the charges without any public consultation.

Justice Mugambi agreed with Gikenyi and issued a conservatory order suspending the new charges pending the hearing and determination of the petition. The court directed that the government be served with the order within three days and set the matter for mention on November 29 for further directions.

This is a significant victory for Kenyans, as ID cards and passports are essential documents for accessing government services, voting, and traveling. The new charges would have made it difficult for many Kenyans to obtain these documents.

In a significant step towards environmental conservation, Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, has officially declared Monday, November 13, 2023, a public holiday dedicated to nationwide tree planting.

This decision aligns with the government’s ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, a crucial initiative aimed at combating climate change and restoring Kenya’s natural ecosystems.

As part of this initiative, a designated national tree planting ceremony will be held under the leadership of President William Samoei Ruto, while Cabinet Secretaries and Governors will oversee tree planting activities in all 47 counties, encouraging active participation from Kenyan citizens and the general public.

This decision stems from a Cabinet meeting held on November 3rd, where the designation of a special working day for tree planting was unanimously agreed upon. This move underscores the government’s recognition of the urgency of addressing climate change and its commitment to fulfilling the 15 billion tree pledge.

Each Cabinet Secretary will be responsible for adopting at least two counties and providing leadership in the tree planting initiative. This decentralized approach ensures that the campaign reaches every corner of the country, maximizing its impact on Kenya’s forest cover and overall environmental health.

The government’s comprehensive tree planting strategy also includes the distribution of tree seedlings through chiefs, aiming to accelerate tree-growing activities across the nation. This aggressive campaign targets an increase of five billion trees in the country’s forest cover, a significant step towards restoring and preserving Kenya’s precious natural resources.

President Ruto’s unwavering dedication to environmental conservation has garnered recognition from both local and international leaders. King Charles III, a renowned advocate for environmental protection, has expressed admiration for President Ruto’s ambitious tree-planting initiative, acknowledging its potential to make a lasting positive impact on the planet.

Kenya’s decision to declare a public holiday for tree planting sets a powerful precedent for other nations to follow, demonstrating the importance of prioritizing environmental restoration and sustainability as we strive for a healthier and more resilient future.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has challenged the opposition to stage anti-government protests on Wednesday.

Kindiki said that the security agencies will be on high alert to deal with any lawbreakers. He said that the government will not tolerate criminality in the name of peaceful protests.

Kindiki said that the ministry had given the opposition an opportunity to hold peaceful demonstrations, but that this opportunity had been abused. He said that a lot of damage, bloodshed, and destruction had been caused by the protests.

Kindiki called on the opposition to resolve their differences amicably and in a civil way. He said that the government is committed to ensuring the safety of all Kenyans.

Kindiki also warned elected officials that they should not use their position to hide from the law. He said that the security agencies will deal with anyone who breaks the law, regardless of their political affiliation.

Kindiki’s comments come after the opposition announced plans to hold anti-government protests on Wednesday. The protests are being organized to protest the government’s handling of the economy and its failure to address the rising cost of living.

The government has been criticized for its heavy-handed response to previous protests. In July, police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters who were demonstrating against the government’s handling of the economy.

It remains to be seen how the government will respond to the opposition’s planned protests on Wednesday. However, Kindiki’s comments suggest that the government is prepared to crack down on any lawbreakers.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has urged Kenyans to participate actively in the upcoming task force sessions established by President William Ruto.

The task force, which was formed in response to the Shakahola massacre, aims to formulate regulations for church registration, combat religious extremism, and prevent future tragedies.

Kindiki made the call during a church service in Kirinyaga on Sunday. He said that the task force’s work is urgent and that Kenyans need to come together to offer their insights.

“The task force will begin its sittings tomorrow. I urge you all to turn up and give your views,” he said.

The task force is expected to hold public hearings in all 47 counties. It will also meet with religious leaders, security officials, and other stakeholders.

The task force is expected to submit its report to the President within 60 days.

The Shakahola massacre was a horrific event that claimed the lives of 242 people. It is important that we learn from this tragedy and take steps to prevent it from happening again.

The task force is a critical part of this effort. I urge all Kenyans to participate in its work and help us build a safer and more peaceful country.

Here are some of the ways you can participate in the task force sessions:

Your participation is important. Together, we can make a difference.