In recent months, the leadership of Kenya’s Directorate of Immigration Services under Director General Evelyn Cheluget has been both lauded and subjected to intense scrutiny and attacks.
It is important to set the record straight and recognize the remarkable achievements and steady transformation she has spearheaded in what was once a beleaguered institution.
Despite opposition from entrenched interests and political interference, DG Cheluget has worked tirelessly to modernize border protection, promote transparency, and restore integrity to immigration services.
A career immigration officer since 1994, Evelyn Cheluget rose through the ranks over nearly three decades, serving in critical roles such as Head of Border Management, Officer in charge at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and Immigration Attaché in Washington DC, before assuming the Director General role in May 2023.
Her deep institutional knowledge and strategic management skills—bolstered by an MBA from the University of Nairobi and professional training at The National Defense College—equip her to lead complex reforms in border management and citizenship services.
What DG Cheluget has accomplished in a relatively short time far outstrips the performance of her predecessors over many years, a fact that has disrupted the old order and ruffled feathers.
Among the transformative measures, she has digitalized immigration processes, reduced inefficiencies in passport issuance by creating special expedited counters, and increased staff at critical points to ease long queues at airports and border posts.
Tightened Visa Verification Process Disrupts Cartels, Says Immigration Directorate
The Directorate of Immigration has introduced stricter visa verification procedures under a multi-agency framework in an effort to boost efficiency, transparency, and accountability in service delivery.
According to the Directorate, the new system has made it increasingly difficult for visa cartels and rogue officials to manipulate the application process.
The department says the reforms have disrupted networks that previously exploited loopholes within the immigration system.
In a statement released this week, the Directorate noted that some individuals linked to the cartels have turned to social media platforms to discredit the department, spreading false reports and accusations of inefficiency.
“The Directorate of Immigration has put in place strict verification procedures with a multi-agency framework to ensure efficiency in service delivery. Cartels working with some rogue officers have found it difficult to manipulate the system,” the statement read in part.
Transfers
As part of ongoing reforms, several immigration officers have been transferred from the department’s headquarters to various decentralized offices across the country.
The Directorate said the transfers are routine and aimed at improving public service delivery to Mwananchi (the ordinary citizen).
“Transfers are common and deliberate in all public offices,” the Directorate emphasized, adding that the reshuffles are intended to strengthen accountability and streamline operations.
The Directorate reaffirmed its commitment to providing efficient and transparent services, assuring the public that it will continue to uphold integrity and professionalism in all its operations.
Those disrupted in the business have been sending anonymous emails accusing top officials at the department of graft.
But insiders have denied the claims and termed them reactionary by the disrupted cartels.
The group’s petition, dated October 25, 2025, calls for an urgent, joint investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
Immigration officials have welcomed any form of probe into their activities.
These reforms contribute substantially to securing Kenya’s borders and enhancing service delivery for both citizens and foreigners. One of the most defining features of her leadership is her unwavering independence and resolve.
Fighting cartels
Cheluget has confronted long-standing cartels and corrupt networks operating within immigration services and the influential Nyayo House political nexus.
This has earned her powerful adversaries who employ propaganda and intimidation, attempting to destabilize her reputation and work.
Some immigration officers are resistant to change, particularly those transferred after long tenures at static posts, and have also mounted backlash against her policies, reflecting their discomfort with increased accountability and performance standards.
Despite these challenges, Evelyn Cheluget remains steadfast in her commitment to Kenya’s immigration mandates, as she has emphasized the duty of all officers to serve with integrity and in accordance with the law.
Her leadership has earned her national honors including the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS) and Order of the Golden Warrior (OGW), as well as recognition as the Best Immigration Woman of Inspiration at the 2023 Africa Public Sector Conference.
It is important to note that some claims against DG Cheluget, including allegations of financial impropriety raised by certain groups, have yet to be substantiated and need to be carefully examined against documented facts.
However, these accusations also illustrate the intense political and ethnic dynamics surrounding immigration issues in Kenya, especially concerning communities like those in Eastleigh.
Professionalism
Beyond administrative reforms, DG Cheluget has placed great emphasis on building a professional, identifiable workforce, mandating uniform standards and name tags across all operational points to enhance transparency and public trust.
She also prioritizes client service, ensuring urgent passport cases are treated with due care to minimize hardship for students, medical patients, and workers abroad.
The road to transforming Kenya’s immigration services is exceptionally challenging given the complex web of vested interests, entrenched corruption, and political interference.
Yet, Evelyn Cheluget’s leadership is a beacon of hope—a testament to how principled vision, competence, and resilience can drive meaningful reforms.
By elevating border security, streamlining citizenship and visa processes, and fostering a culture of accountability, she is securing Kenya’s sovereignty and improving lives on multiple fronts.
