Indianapolis outreach lets Midwest Kenyans apply for passports and IDs closer to home

The Kenyan Embassy in Washington, D.C. brought passport, national identification and birth certificate application services to Kenyans living in the United States Midwest through a three-day consular outreach in Indianapolis, Indiana. The exercise ran from Thursday 22 October to Saturday 24 October 2026 and was aimed at people in Indiana and neighbouring Midwest communities.

Key facts

• When: 22–24 October 2026
• Where: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
• Organiser: the Kenyan Embassy in Washington, D.C.
• Who it served: Kenyans in Indiana and the wider Midwest region
• Services offered: passport, National Identification Card and birth certificate applications, plus other consular services

What services were available?

Applicants received help with passport applications, applications for the National Identification Card and applications for birth certificates, along with other consular services, the Embassy said. The outreach allowed Kenyans in the region to access these government services without travelling to the Embassy in Washington.

The Embassy described the initiative as part of its commitment to bringing government services closer to diaspora communities and strengthening their connection with Kenya. It said the outreach reaffirmed its aim of providing accessible, efficient and people-centred services to Kenyans abroad.

Why was it held?

The exercise forms part of the Government of Kenya's efforts to improve access to consular services for citizens abroad and to strengthen engagement with the diaspora. The Embassy highlighted the role of mobile consular services in reaching Kenyans who live far from diplomatic missions, particularly those who may face additional travel costs and logistical challenges when seeking official documents.

Who else took part?

Kenya's Ambassador to the United States, David Kerich, met Kenyan entrepreneurs operating in Indiana during the visit, including WEKO Family Services, founded by Weldon Koech, and Poulines' Transforming Love Home Care LLC. He also attended the Global AMPATH Gala, which marked 35 years of collaboration between Indiana University, Moi University and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.

The Embassy acknowledged diaspora leaders, including Prof. Jerono Rotich, the local organising committee and volunteers Dr. Fidelis Ndobera and Dr. Muchai, for supporting the outreach.

What this means for travellers

Kenyan citizens in the Midwest were able to lodge passport, ID card and birth certificate applications locally instead of travelling to the Embassy in Washington. The Embassy has not announced dates or locations for further consular outreach, and no fees or processing times were given for the applications handled during the exercise.

Anyone who missed the Indianapolis event will need to watch for future announcements from the Kenyan Embassy in Washington, D.C. about additional mobile consular visits.