Ruto announces 72‑hour passport processing for Kenyans with jobs abroad
President William Ruto has announced a 72‑hour passport processing plan for Kenyans who secure jobs abroad, aimed at ensuring workers do not miss overseas employment opportunities.
Dr Ruto said the fast‑tracking will apply to applicants who present proof of confirmed employment outside the country, noting that delays in obtaining travel documents have previously caused many Kenyans to lose job opportunities.
Speaking during the 19th Ambassadors and High Commissioners Conference in Nairobi, Dr Ruto said the government is working to remove bureaucratic hurdles that slow down passport issuance.
“We must ensure that any Kenyan who has secured employment abroad gets their passport within 72 hours so they can take up those opportunities,” he said.
The move comes as part of broader efforts to support labour mobility and expand opportunities for Kenyan workers abroad, including in sectors such as healthcare, construction, hospitality and domestic services.
At the conference, Ruto also urged Kenya’s diplomatic corps to take a more assertive role in positioning the country as a destination for investment and partnership, saying diplomats should “translate Kenya’s potential into tangible benefits” by attracting deals and opportunities from foreign partners.
“Our goal is to position Kenya not only as a prime destination for investment, but also as a trusted partner in shaping the future,” emphasized President Ruto.
The event was attended by senior government officials, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who joined Ruto in calling for stronger economic diplomacy and closer alignment between Kenya’s foreign policy and its economic goals.
Mudavadi, who also serves as Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to advancing the government’s Bottom‑Up Economic Transformation Agenda through enhanced bilateral partnerships and export growth.
“Our diplomats must be proactive in connecting Kenya’s economic opportunities to the rest of the world,” Mudavadi said.
The conference drew more than 70 ambassadors, high commissioners and consuls‑general from Kenya’s missions worldwide, as well as top officials including the Health Cabinet Secretary and principal secretaries for foreign and diaspora affairs.
In his remarks, Ruto highlighted the need for diplomats to actively “sell” Kenya’s story abroad, push for investment, and secure deals that will deliver measurable outcomes for the economy, including job creation and increased exports.”
The forum is being held under the theme “Advancing Kenya’s Interests in a Rapidly Evolving Geopolitical Landscape” and runs through Monday, March 30, 2026.
Government officials said the passport processing reforms will be implemented in the coming months, with further details expected from the Directorate of Immigration Services.
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