Kenyans will in five months begin using e-passports.
The Kenyan immigration department has announced that it will start issuing the electronic passports from September 1, 2017.
The rollout was initially slated for in December 2016 before it was pushed to April and then to September.
Immigration Services Director Maj Gen (rtd) Gordon Kihalangwa said the postponement was due to unforeseen circumstances.
“Due to circumstances beyond our control, the launch will now happen as stated,” said Mr Kihalangwa in a statement.
The ePassport will have an electronic chip holding the same information as the old model passport, alongside a biometric identifier, digital photograph of the holder and security features to prevent unauthorised use and forgery.
Details of the ePassport will be registered with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
As it is an East African initiative; the e-passports will also be launched in other East African countries simultaneously
To get the ePassport, Kenyans will be required to apply for a replacement passport and return their current passport.
It will cost the same as the current passport, according to the Immigration department.
