As of the latest data, only a small fraction of Kenyans possess passports. According to the Directorate of Immigration Services, approximately 5 million out of Kenya’s estimated 50 million population hold a valid passport. This translates to about 10% of the population, a figure that is significantly lower compared to many other countries. For comparison, in the United States, about 42% of citizens have a valid passport, while in the United Kingdom, the figure stands at approximately 76%.
Barriers to Passport Ownership
One of the primary reasons for the low number of passport holders is the economic barrier. The cost of obtaining a passport in Kenya is relatively high for the average citizen. The fee for a standard 32-page passport is KSh 4,550, while a 48-page passport costs KSh 6,050. For many Kenyans, especially those living below the poverty line, this amount is prohibitive. According to the World Bank, around 36% of Kenyans live below the national poverty line, making the cost of a passport a significant expense.
Additionally, the ancillary costs associated with obtaining a passport, such as transportation to passport issuing centers, passport photos, and the potential loss of income from taking time off work, further compound the economic burden. For instance, the average daily wage for a low-income earner in Kenya is about KSh 200 to KSh 300, which means that even the cheapest passport option could cost up to a month’s wages for many.
Bureaucratic Hurdles
The process of obtaining a passport can be daunting and time-consuming. Despite efforts to streamline the application process, many applicants still face long wait times, complex procedures, and sometimes unhelpful or corrupt officials. According to Transparency International, Kenya ranks 124th out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index, indicating significant challenges in bureaucratic efficiency and integrity. These bureaucratic hurdles can discourage people from applying, especially those who are unfamiliar with navigating governmental processes.
Lack of Necessity
For a significant portion of the population, the need for a passport is not immediately apparent. Many Kenyans live and work within the country, with little immediate need to travel abroad. This lack of necessity is particularly pronounced in rural areas where international travel is a distant prospect. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, about 72% of Kenyans live in rural areas, where the idea of international travel may seem irrelevant or unattainable.
Cultural and Social Factors
There is also a lack of awareness about the benefits of holding a passport. In many communities, especially in rural areas, people are not well-informed about the opportunities that a passport can unlock, such as educational scholarships, international job opportunities, and cultural exchange programs. A survey by the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) found that only 25% of rural residents were aware of these potential benefits.
Cultural and social norms can also play a role. In some communities, there is a limited tradition of international travel, and obtaining a passport might not be seen as a priority or even a possibility. Family and community influence can impact an individual’s decision to apply for a passport, especially in societies where collective decision-making is the norm. In certain regions, there may also be a perception that traveling abroad is only for the wealthy or elite, further discouraging passport applications.
Implications of Low Passport Ownership
The limited number of passport holders has broader implications for the country. One significant impact is the restriction on economic opportunities. With fewer Kenyans holding passports, the potential for international trade, labor migration, and overseas education remains underutilized. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 highlights the importance of labor mobility and economic integration, areas where Kenya’s low passport ownership presents a barrier to regional economic growth and development.
Educationally and culturally, low passport ownership limits Kenyans’ access to international educational scholarships, exchanges, and professional development opportunities. This lack of mobility not only curtails personal growth but also hampers Kenya’s capacity to foster global perspectives and competencies among its citizens.
Politically and socially, low passport ownership diminishes Kenya’s representation and connectivity on the global stage. Individuals without passports may face challenges in participating in international conferences, diplomatic engagements, and cultural exchanges, thereby reducing the country’s visibility and influence in global affairs.
Remedies
Efforts to increase passport ownership must address these multifaceted challenges comprehensively. Introducing subsidies or flexible payment options for passport fees could enhance financial accessibility, particularly for low-income individuals. Streamlining administrative procedures, enhancing digital platforms for application submission and tracking, and improving service delivery at passport offices are critical steps toward reducing bureaucratic barriers.
Educational campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the benefits of passport ownership, particularly in rural areas, can help dispel misconceptions and highlight opportunities for personal and professional growth. Engaging community leaders and influencers in promoting the value of international travel and cultural exchange can also foster a cultural shift towards embracing global perspectives and aspirations.
Increasing passport ownership in Kenya is not merely about facilitating travel but also about unlocking economic, educational, and cultural opportunities for its citizens. Addressing economic, bureaucratic, cultural, and social barriers can empower more Kenyans to participate actively in the global community, thereby contributing to individual prosperity and national development goals.
