Immigration and Citizen Services PS Julius Bitok has announced that the new Immigration office, set to be commissioned by the head of state in Bungoma County, will serve the four Western counties: Bungoma, Vihiga, Kakamega, Busia, and Trans-Nzoia.
Speaking at a hotel in Bungoma on Friday, Bitok stated that the office will offer a full range of immigration services, eliminating the need for residents to travel to Nairobi.
“After the grand commissioning, we shall roll out all the immigration services including issuing passports, work permits, citizenship, electronic travel authorisation, e-citizen, and other related services,” Bitok said.
He emphasized the office's strategic importance, given Bungoma's status as a border county.
“There are many people here who want to process dual citizenship, and they will now have the opportunity to do so locally,” he added.
Additionally, the office will issue its first passport immediately after the commissioning by President William Ruto.
Bitok highlighted that this move aligns with the President’s directive to facilitate employment opportunities abroad.
“Once the office is operational, we expect to serve 500 clients daily, reaching 10,000 people monthly in this region,” he noted.
Bitok also underscored the job creation potential of the new office for the youth in the Western region.
He was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Broadcast and Telecommunication, Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani.
This development promises significant benefits for the local population, enhancing accessibility to crucial services and boosting employment.