Overview
- Act: Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011
- Formed: 2011
- CEO: Evelyn Jepleting Tarus Cheluget
- X (Twitter)
The Directorate of Immigration Services in Kenya was established under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011, which came into effect on August 30, 2011. Its primary mandate is to regulate the entry, stay, and exit of non-citizens, issue passports and travel documents to Kenyans, and manage citizenship matters. The directorate’s roles include visa processing, border control, issuance of work and residence permits, enforcement of immigration laws, prevention of human trafficking, and advising the government on immigration policy. It plays a crucial role in maintaining national security and managing legal immigration processes.
CEO: Evelyn Jepleting Tarus
Cheluget
Ms. Evelyn Jepleting Tarus Cheluget is the current Director-General of the Directorate of Immigration Services in Kenya, appointed on May 15, 2023. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic
Management from the University of Nairobi and has served as a Deputy Director in the Immigration Service, bringing extensive experience in government administration.
Management Team
Evelyn Jepleting Tarus Cheluget
Director General
Julius Bitok
PS, State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services
Alexander Muteshi
Former Director General
Peter Waweru
Deputy Director, Immigration Services
Jane Wambui
Chief Finance Officer
Functions
- Issuance of passports and travel documents to Kenyan citizens and foreign nationals as required.
- Visa processing for foreigners seeking entry into Kenya.
- Regulation of entry and stay of non-citizens through issuance of work permits, residence permits, and passes.
- Enforcement of immigration laws, including border control and deportation of illegal immigrants.
- Citizenship administration, such as processing applications for naturalization, registration, and dual citizenship.
- Control and regulation of immigration in collaboration with border control agencies.
- Prevention of human trafficking and smuggling by monitoring and controlling borders.
- Issuance of refugee travel documents to persons recognized under the Refugees Act.
- Maintaining the integrity of the immigration system through data management and automation.
- Advising the government on matters related to citizenship and immigration policy.
Important Links
Address & Contacts
- P.O. Box 30191 – 00100 Nairobi, Kenya.
- Nyayo House, Kenyatta Avenue
- PR79+577, Posta Rd, Nairobi
- info@immigration.go.ke
- +254 (0)20 222 2022 +254 (0)20 222 2066