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Kenya Eliminates Cheaper Passport Options, Forcing Citizens to Pay KSh 12,500 for Travel Documents

The Kenyan government has quietly removed affordable passport alternatives from the eCitizen platform, leaving citizens with no choice but to purchase the most expensive 66-page option at KSh 12,500.

An investigation of the official eCitizen portal reveals that both the 34-page and 50-page passport booklets have been systematically phased out, with the higher-priced 66-page version now serving as the sole available option for new applicants and standard renewals.

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eCitizen Platform Shows Only Premium Passport Option

A comprehensive review of the passport application process on the eCitizen website demonstrates that while the system initially displays options for 50-page and 34-page passports during the early stages of application, these choices vanish as users progress through the required steps.

Upon completing all mandatory prompts and reaching the final selection stage, applicants discover that only the 66-page passport remains available, effectively forcing all citizens to pay the maximum fee regardless of their actual travel needs or page requirements.

This technical configuration means Kenyans seeking their first passport or renewing existing documents must now budget KSh 12,500 for the travel document, with no alternative pricing tiers available.

Progressive Elimination of Affordable Passport Options

The removal of budget-friendly passport choices occurred in stages, beginning in July 2025 when authorities withdrew the 34-page passport booklet from circulation.

At that time, government officials attributed the decision to operational difficulties and supply chain challenges, though no timeline was provided for restoring the affordable option or implementing alternative solutions.

Previous passport pricing structure included:

34-page passport: KSh 7,500
50-page passport: KSh 9,500
66-page passport: KSh 12,500

With both lower-cost options now eliminated, the minimum expense for obtaining a Kenyan passport has increased by 67% compared to the original entry-level price, representing a significant financial burden for ordinary citizens.

Government Silence Fuels Public Frustration

Despite the substantial price increase affecting millions of potential applicants, Kenyan authorities have not issued any official statement explaining the policy change or addressing growing public concerns.

The lack of transparency has generated particular anxiety among first-time passport seekers, especially young Kenyans pursuing employment opportunities in foreign countries where valid travel documentation is mandatory.

Compounding Costs for Job Seekers and Migrants

Migration experts and employment advocates emphasize that passport fees represent just the initial expense in a lengthy list of requirements for Kenyans seeking legitimate work opportunities abroad.

Additional mandatory costs typically include:

Comprehensive medical examinations and health certificates
Visa application and processing fees
Police clearance certificates and background checks
International airfare and transportation
Accommodation deposits and initial living expenses

Labor mobility specialists warn that escalating passport costs could discourage legal migration pathways, potentially pushing desperate job seekers toward irregular channels or forcing them to abandon overseas employment prospects altogether.

Economic analysts note that remittances from Kenyans working abroad constitute a vital component of the national economy, with diaspora contributions exceeding billions of shillings annually in foreign exchange earnings.

Social Media Pressure Mounts for Policy Reversal

Frustrated Kenyans have taken to social media platforms demanding immediate government action to restore affordable passport options and provide clear justification for their removal.

Online campaigns using hashtags related to passport pricing have gained significant traction, with thousands of citizens sharing stories about how the increased costs affect their families and future plans.

Consumer rights organizations have joined the chorus, questioning whether the elimination of cheaper alternatives violates principles of accessibility and equal opportunity for citizens seeking to exercise their constitutional right to travel.

Regional Passport Pricing Comparison

The current KSh 12,500 mandatory fee places Kenya among the more expensive passport-issuing nations in the East African region, raising questions about competitiveness and the government’s commitment to facilitating citizen mobility.

Immigration policy experts suggest that transparent communication about pricing decisions and maintaining tiered options based on citizen needs represents international best practice in passport administration.

Calls for Government Accountability and Transparency

Civil society advocates are urging the Ministry of Interior and the Department of Immigration Services to immediately address the passport pricing controversy through official channels.

Specific demands include:

Public explanation of the decision-making process behind removing affordable options
Clear timeline for potential restoration of 34-page and 50-page passport booklets
Justification for maintaining only the premium-priced alternative
Consideration of subsidized rates for students, first-time applicants, and low-income citizens

As the controversy continues without official response, pressure builds for parliamentary oversight and potential intervention to ensure passport services remain accessible to all Kenyans regardless of economic status.

This story highlights growing concerns about government service accessibility and pricing transparency as Kenyan citizens navigate increased costs for essential travel documentation.

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