The increased deployment of Immigration officers is said to be part of the government’s efforts to enhance border security and combat the spread of the Mpox virus in the country.
This is according to Immigration Principal Secretary Prof. Julius Bitok while officiating at the passing out of 300 new officers at the Kenya School of Government in Kabarnet, Baringo County.
“The officers will engage with the Ministry of Health and other agencies,” Bitok said. “They will ensure that visitors coming into the country are screened for the virus at our entry points.”
The new batch of officers underwent five weeks of intensive training on a myriad of critical segments in security, intelligence, and health protocols. “These recruits will also help in passport issuance and e-travel authorization,” Bitok added.
He highlighted his commitment to reforms and, especially, called for transparency in the Directorate of Immigration. “We want to shed our history of corruption. This is a new beginning,” he rallied recruits against corrupt practices.
The PS also announced that the headquarters of the Directorate would be moved from Nyayo House. “The negative legacy of Nyayo House is something we do not want to carry forward,” he said. “We are looking at ways of showing that we mean business with regard to change.”
On the sidelines, Bitok called on Kenyans to collect over 90,000 pending passports. “This will help us ease congestion in our storage facilities,” he said.
The Director General of Immigration, Evelyn Cheluget, said the training curriculum was designed “to produce versatile officers”. “We want officers who understand the link between immigration and national security,” she said.
Baringo Deputy Governor, Felix Maiyo called for a local Immigration office in Kabarnet. “This would ensure accessibility to our residents,” he argued.
Those present included Baringo County Commissioner Stephen Kutwa and other senior Immigration officials. The collaboration shows a proactive approach to addressing immigration challenges just as much as it does to public health concerns.
