Renew Your Kenyan Passport From Anywhere: A Step-by-Step Guide for Kenyans

Navigating complex forms, embassy visits, and long processing times might leave you feeling helpless while considering renewing your Kenyan passport. But worry not! Replacing your vital Kenyan documents in Kenya or overseas is easier than you think.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the process into simple steps, empowering you to renew your passport or ID from anywhere in the world. Say goodbye to long waits and confusing paperwork. With our clear instructions and helpful tips, you'll be holding your new Kenyan document in no time.

Renew Your Kenyan Passport from Kenya

While you might find details regarding how to renew your Kenyan passport abroad, there is significantly less information on “How to Renew your Kenyan Passport from Kenya”. Don’t worry; we will talk comprehensively about the latter, but in this section, we will discuss the process of renewing a Kenyan passport from Kenya. Let’s delve into the details now.

What Do I Need to Renew My Kenyan Passport?

To renew your Kenyan passport online, you need to meet these simple requirements:

• Your current passport should be in good condition, not damaged.
• Have your passport with you when you're applying for the renewal.
• Your passport should have been issued in the last ten years.
• You should have been 18 years old when you got your current passport.
• You still need to change your name on the passport during its 10-year validity.

If all these apply to you, you're good to go! You can apply for the renewal on the e-Citizen website.

How Do You Apply for Passport Renewal in Kenya?

Applying for a new passport or renewing your old one is straightforward and can be done online. Here's a simpler way to understand the process:

• Fill Out the Form: Carefully read the instructions and complete the form with your details.
• Payment: You can pay the passport fees using mobile money, credit or debit cards, or online banking from local banks.
• Print and Sign: After paying, you must download and print the application form and three receipts. Make sure to sign and date this form.
• Add Extras: Attach any required documents or photos to your application form.
• Submit in Person: Finally, you must submit your application form by hand at the Immigration office. These can be found in Nyayo House, Mombasa, or Kisumu.

Remember, for a first-time passport, it usually takes at least ten working days to get your passport after you've handed in your form at the office. For renewals or replacements, it should take about five working days. However, it might take longer if they need more information from you or if there are errors in your application.

Documents Required While Applying for a Kenyan Passport 

Here's a simplified explanation of the items needed for an eCitizen passport application:

• Pre-filled Passport Application Form and Receipts: You'll need to bring the passport application form you've already filled out online through the eCitizen platform. Also, remember to get three receipts showing you've paid the necessary fees.
• Birth Certificate: Bring your original birth certificate along with a photocopy of it.
• National ID Card: You must bring your original National ID Card and photocopy.
• Passport Photos: Make sure to have three recent passport-sized photographs.
• Recommender’s ID Card Copy: You’ll need a photocopy of the ID Card of the person recommending you (your recommender).
• Consent Letter for Minors: A consent letter is required if the passport is for a minor.
• Old Passport for Replacement: If you are replacing an old passport, you must also bring that.
• Parents’ National ID Cards: Finally, if applicable, you should also bring your parents' National ID cards and photocopies of them.

Remember, these documents are essential for your passport application, so double-check to ensure you have them all before your appointment.

How Much is the Kenyan Passport Renewal Fee?

Here's a simplified explanation of the different types of passports and their fees in Kenyan Shillings (Kshs):

Remember, these fees are in Kenyan Shillings and are specific to each type of passport based on its size or purpose.

How Do You Apply for a Kenyan Passport Renewal from Abroad?

There are two ways of applying for a Kenyan passport renewal while travelling abroad. These are also applicable for dual passport holders from Kenya. The online method remains the same as mentioned above. However, for such people, there is an offline method of renewing their Kenyan passports, and we will discuss the same in this section. 

Prerequisites for Renewing My Kenyan Passport from Abroad

To apply for a Kenyan passport, you need to gather several documents and follow a few steps, which are simplified below:

• Download and Fill Form-19: First, get the Form-19 application form from the eCitizen portal and fill it out completely.
• Original Documents: Keep your original passport and Kenyan ID card ready.
• Copies of Documents: Make copies of the biodata page of your Kenyan passport, your Kenyan birth certificate (both sides), and two passport-size photos.
• Payment Invoice: Obtain a payment invoice from the eCitizen portal.
• Additional Steps for Non-Kenyans: If you're not a Kenyan citizen, check the eCitizen portal for further instructions. You might have to choose between regaining Kenyan citizenship or making a legal declaration.
• Dual Citizenship Proof: If you have dual citizenship, you must provide evidence.
• Proof of Residence (of your current country): For Canadian permanent residents, relevant residency documents are required.
• For Minors: If you're under 18, download a parental consent form from the Kenyan High Commissioner's portal. Also, prepare a self-addressed envelope for receiving your new passport by mail.

After submitting all these documents, your new passport should be processed and ready within four to six weeks.

Detailed Kenyan Passport Renewal Process from Abroad (Offline)

To renew your passport, you'll need to do a few things.

• Start by applying and paying the fee on the eCitizen portal.
• Next, book an appointment by emailing your country's High Commission’s office.
• Finally, visit the Kenya High Commission, where you reside, to submit your application forms in person.

What are the Photo Requirements to Renew My Kenyan Passport?

When getting your passport photos, remember these simple points:

• Ensure the photo is clear and bright, without blurry or dark spots.
• Your entire face should be visible, including both ears.
• The background of the photo should be white and without any shadows.
• You can have a slight smile, but keep it neutral.
• Don’t wear glasses in the photo.
• The size of each photo should be 2.5 by 2 inches.
• Your forehead should be visible, so keep your hair out of the way.
• You must provide at least three of these photos when you apply.

How Will My Kenyan Passport Be Delivered to Me After Renewal?

When you apply for your passport at an embassy or consulate, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will text you. This message will tell you when your passport is ready. Once you receive this message, you can pick up your passport.

FAQs

I live abroad. Can I renew my Kenyan passport online?

Yes, you can! The process is the same as renewing from Kenya: Sign up on eCitizen, fill out the form, pay fees, print and sign, add documents, and submit at the embassy office in the country you are in currently.

How long does it take to renew a Kenyan passport?

Renewals should take five working days within Kenya and 4-6 weeks abroad. Delays may occur with missing information or errors.

How much does it cost to renew a Kenyan passport?

Prices vary depending on the passport type and size. Standard 32-page passports cost Kshs. 4,550, while 64-page ones cost Kshs. 7,550. See the article for a detailed fee breakdown.

What documents do I need to renew my Kenyan passport online?

Pre-filled application form, payment receipts, birth certificate, national ID card, passport photos, recommender's ID copy (optional), consent letter for minors (if applicable), and old passport (for replacement).

Where can I submit my passport renewal application in Kenya?

Immigration offices in Nyayo House, Mombasa, or Kisumu.

Can I renew my Kenyan passport offline as a dual citizen or while travelling abroad?

Yes, besides the online method, you can also apply offline. Download Form-19, bring your original passport and ID, copies of the biodata page, birth certificate, passport photos, payment invoice, and proof of residence.

How do I submit my Kenyan passport renewal application while abroad?

Apply and pay on eCitizen, book an appointment at the Kenyan High Commission in your country, and submit your application forms in person.