Explainer: How to Replace a Lost Passport in Kenya
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Replacing a lost Kenyan passport begins with a police report and ends with in-person verification by immigration officers, even though most of the process now runs through the eCitizen system.
The Directorate of Immigration Services manages the process and requires applicants to follow a structured sequence of legal, online and physical verification steps before it issues a replacement passport.
First, applicants report the loss at the nearest police station and obtain a Police Abstract. This document confirms the loss and becomes a mandatory requirement for the application.
Next, applicants prepare supporting legal documents that strengthen the application. These include:
- A sworn affidavit from a Commissioner for Oaths explaining how the passport was lost
- A written explanation letter detailing the circumstances of the loss
These documents help immigration officers verify the claim and reduce the risk of misuse of official travel documents.
Also Read: How to Renew an Expired Kenyan Passport via eCitizen: Full Guide, Fees and Requirements
Passport Online Application
After securing the required documents, applicants proceed to the eCitizen platform under the Department of Immigration Services.
They then complete Form 19, which forms part of the official application for replacement of a lost passport.To finalize the online stage, applicants:
- Log in to the eCitizen portal
- Select the lost passport replacement option
- Fill in and submit the application form
- Pay the fee of Ksh 20,050 via M-Pesa or card
- Print Form 19 and the payment receipts for presentation
Physical verification
Once the online application is complete, applicants proceed to immigration offices for biometric capture and verification.
At this stage, they present key documents, including:
- Printed Form 19 and payment receipts, which confirm successful application and payment
- Original National ID, which verifies identity and matches official records
- Police Abstract, which confirms the reported loss
- Sworn affidavit, which explains the circumstances of the loss
- Written explanation letter, which provides additional details
- Supporting identity documents if available, which help strengthen verification
Immigration officers then capture fingerprints and take a live photograph to complete identity confirmation.
Applicants complete biometric processing at Nyayo House in Nairobi, as well as in Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Embu, Kisii, Kericho and Bungoma.
Also Read: How to Apply for a New Kenyan Passport
Fees and Processing Time
The Directorate of Immigration Services classifies the replacement fee for a lost passport at Ksh 20,050.00.
After biometric capture, processing takes about 10 to 15 working days, depending on verification checks and workload at the immigration offices.
Finally, the Directorate issues the replacement passport once it clears all documents and completes approval.
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A photo collage of PS Belio Kipsang of State Department for Immigration and Citizen services at previous event and Kenyan passports. PHOTO/ Kipsang X/ Immigration Services Kenya X
