Kenyan citizens residing in the United States can renew their passports through the dedicated channels established by the Embassy of Kenya.
While the first part of the process can be completed online, getting a new passport requires applicants to present their forms to the appropriate office in person.
When replacing an old passport, Kenyan nationals will likely have most of the documents needed for the application.
So, if you want to apply for a Kenyan passport renewal in the US, keep on reading. In this article, we’ll go over all the information needed to get through the procedure smoothly.
How to renew a Kenyan passport in the US
To renew a Kenyan passport in the US, the first step is to register on the eCitizen online portal. There, Kenyan citizens can access a wide array of services provided by the government.
Open the section dedicated to the passport application form, read the instructions listed, and complete the form. Section 7 (seven) has to be completed by a recommender. This can be done by someone who has Kenyan citizenship, is acquainted with the passport holder, and holds one of the following professions:
- religious minister
- legal practitioner
- civil servant
- bank official.
Immediate relatives cannot be recommenders.
At this point, applicants need to choose the method of payment between:
- credit or debit cards
- mobile money
- online banking.
Then, it’s possible to proceed with the payment itself. The passport fees are as follows:
- 4,550 KSh ($38,54) for a “A” series, 32-page passport;
- 6,050 KSh ($51,25) for a “B” series, 48-page passport;
- 7,550 KSh ($63,96) for a “C” series, 64-page passport.
After paying, applicants have to download and print the application form and the application receipts.
Once all these steps are completed, it’s possible to go to the embassy or consulate website to book an appointment. There are a total of 3 (three) Kenyan offices abroad in the US in the following cities:
- Washington, D.C.
- Los Angeles
- New York.
On the set date, applicants need to present the following documents:
- a duly filled out application form;
- a copy of the original Kenyan birth certificate or certificate of registration;
- original Kenyan identity card with a copy;
- 3 (three) colored passport-size photographs;
- a copy of the recommender’s Kenyan identity card;
- original and copy of the current passport;
- the 2 (two) payment invoices for the fees.
All these documents need to be attached to the application form following the website instructions carefully. After submitting the request, the clerk will release a token receipt. The new passport will be ready in 6 (six) to 8 (eight) weeks.
Once the passport has been shipped back from the Nairobi office, the applicant will be notified on the phone or via email. It can be picked up personally by providing the office with the receipt and original passport. It’s also possible to have it mailed back by sending a self-addressed return envelope (USPS Priority Mail, USPS Priority Express Mail, UPS, or FedEx), together with the already mentioned documents.
Passport nearing its expiry date? Get ahead of the game and up to speed by reading:
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Renewal of a Kenyan passport for a minor
A passport application for minors or Kenyan children born abroad, with dual citizenship or only Kenya citizenship, requires the addition of a duly filled out consent form (available on the eCitizen portal).
The parents or legal guardians need to accompany the child to hand in the documents. Official sources do not state if only one parent can be present for the minor’s application. Fees and processing time are unchanged for minor applicants.
Prepare for your Kenyan passport renewal with Passport Photo Online
Passport Photo Online is an app with over a million downloads that can help you prepare perfect pictures for your passport applications.
Using it is child’s play – just upload a picture, and here’s what will happen:
- Our AI system will adapt the photo to the appropriate size and erase the background. You can take the photo anywhere you are and we’ll make sure it’s perfect for the application form.
- The app will analyze the uploaded image according to the guidelines provided by the Kenya High Commission. If anything doesn’t fit the rules, we will find it and let you know. You’ll have a 100% guarantee of compliance.
- We can fix small issues, removing uneven shadows, glares, and much more.
- You can take an unlimited number of pictures. You can try until you get a perfect result, at no additional cost.
Download the digital photos immediately or order the prints to your address, ready to go with your next application.
Renew an expired Kenyan passport in the US: FAQ
In this section, we’ll address some questions about renewing a Kenyan passport in the US.
Can I renew my Kenyan passport online?
Applications and passport services are available online, however, the procedure must be finalized in person at the Kenya Embassy or Consulate that holds jurisdiction where you live.
What are the Kenyan passport renewal requirements?
You need to have a Kenyan ID card, your old passport, birth certificate, proof of payment of the fees, a copy of your recommender’s ID, and passport photos.
Is there a Kenyan Embassy in New York for a passport renewal?
In New York, you can find the Consulate of Kenya at 866 U.N. Plaza, Suite 308.
How do I proceed with a Kenyan passport renewal in Washington, D.C.?
Start the procedure online on the eCitizen portal and finalize it at the Embassy of Kenya at 2249 R-street N.W., Washington DC.
How to check the status of your passport renewal at the Embassy of Kenya in the US?
Passport status can be checked on the same online portal used for the application by selecting “track my passport”.
How do I check if my Kenyan passport is ready?
The authorities will notify you at the contact number and email address you used to register on the eCitizen portal.
How much is the Kenyan passport renewal fee?
The fee changes depending on the number of pages in the booklet, you pay 4,550 KSh ($38,54) for 32, 6,050 KSh ($51,25) for 48, 7,550 KSh ($63,96) for 64.
Does the Kenyan Embassy provide passport renewal forms?
All passport forms need to be completed online on the eCitizen portal. You can access it directly or through the embassy website.
How do I proceed with a Kenyan passport renewal in Los Angeles?
Begin the application online on the eCitizen portal and conclude the procedure at the Kenyan Consulate in Los Angeles, at 3550 Wilshire Boulevard, suite 1900.
Application for a Kenyan passport renewal in the US – closing remarks
As a Kenya national, it’s possible to apply online for a passport renewal and complete the process at the foreign offer closest to you.
Before proceeding, applicants must find a recommender to vouch for them (not an immediate relative).
After providing the original documents required by the authorities, you’ll be able to get a new passport in 8 (eight) weeks or less.
Use Passport Photo Online to get perfect pictures for your application from home, without any professional equipment, just a smartphone.
Sources
Riccardo Ollmert is a multilingual writer and travel expert. He studied Languages, Literature and Publishing Industry at La Sapienza University of Rome. His passions include traveling and learning new skills.
