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How to Renew an Expired Kenyan Passport via eCitizen: Full Guide, Fees and Requirements

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A photo collage of PS Belio Kipsang of State Department for Immigration and Citizen services at previous event and Kenyan passport. PHOTO/ Kipsang X/ Immigration Services Kenya X

Kenyan citizens who need to renew an expired passport must apply through the Department of Immigration Services using the official eCitizen platform.

Once a passport reaches its 10-year validity period, it becomes invalid for travel. Consequently, applicants must submit a fresh application for a new ePassport.

Although many people refer to this process as renewal, immigration authorities treat it as a new application.

This is because the system issues a new biometric passport after full verification and approval.

Passport Application Process on eCitizen

To begin with, applicants log into their eCitizen account and select the Department of Immigration Services.

Next, they choose the passport application option and enter personal details that must match those on their National ID.

After completing the form, applicants upload the required documents. They then proceed to payment, and importantly, the application only moves forward once the system confirms payment.

Also Read: How to Apply for a New Kenyan Passport

Renewal Fees

The cost of applying for an expired passport depends on the booklet type selected. The official fees are as follows:

  • 32-page Ordinary Passport (A Series): Ksh 7,550
  • 48-page Ordinary Passport (B Series): Ksh 9,550
  • 66-page Ordinary Passport (C Series): Ksh 12,050

In most cases, applicants prefer higher-page booklets because they provide more capacity, especially for frequent travel.

In some cases, lower-page or mid-tier passport booklets may not be displayed on the portal. When this occurs, applicants can only continue with the options available at that time.

As a result, they may be required to select higher-page booklets such as the 66-page C Series.

Furthermore, the Department of Immigration Services explains that these variations occur due to ongoing management of passport booklet supply.

Nevertheless, applicants must proceed with the application using the options provided in the system, since all applications follow standard immigration procedures.

Required Documents

To complete the application, applicants must provide the following documents:

  • Original National ID and a clear photocopy of both sides
  • Expired passport and a photocopy of the bio data page
  • Birth certificate, where required for verification or record updates
  • Recommender’s details, including a copy of the recommender’s National ID

At the same time, applicants must ensure all documents are clear and accurate to avoid delays in processing.

Also Read: Govt Explains Why it Issued Passports to Sudan’s RSF Rebel Group Leaders

Biometric Capture and Processing Time

After submission and payment, applicants proceed to book a biometric appointment at a designated immigration office.

During this stage, officers capture fingerprints, take photographs and verify physical documents.

According to the Department of Immigration Services, processing typically takes about 10 to 15 working days after biometrics.

However, depending on application volumes and verification requirements, the timeline may extend to several weeks.

When to Apply

For better planning, applicants are advised to apply 6 to 9 months before passport expiry.

This helps avoid last-minute disruptions, especially for frequent travellers or those with upcoming international plans.

Finally, once processing is complete, applicants receive an SMS or email notification.

They then collect their passport from the selected immigration office by presenting their National ID, expired passport and application receipt for verification.

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Passport.PHOTO/ Immigration Services Kenya X

A photo collage of Kenyan Passports. PHOTO/ Immigration Services Kenya X

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