NAIROBI- KENYA: PERMITS UNDER REVIEW AND SHOULD BE RESTARTED SOON

The Government wishes to clarify that the issuance of identity cards and work permits, has never been stopped, contrary to some reports. For national identity cards, the contract for the supply of required material for the generation of the cards expired and is currently under review. As a result, there has been a slow-down but not halting of the issuance of identity cards. Indeed, people are still getting identity cards issued even though the process is slower than before and not as comprehensive as it should be. Consultations are ongoing in Government to speed up the process. The issuance of citizenship was put on hold after a decision by a Government Workshop on Strategies to Eliminate Corruption, to allow for the review of the systems so as to ensure there is no abuse and our national security is protected. The issuance of citizenship is still under review in a bid to set up and ensure the process is more transparent and efficient. As soon as the new systems are ready, the process will be restarted. Matters of immigration - especially issuance of identity permits and citizenship - are very important and key to ensure the security, harmony and development of any country, and the Government wishes to have a transparent system that will serve the Public faster and better. Dr. Alfred N. Mutua, EBS PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY/ GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON 13th January, 2011