Kenyans applying for Police Clearance Certificates, commonly known as Certificates of Good Conduct, are set to benefit from faster services following the expansion of a new biometric identification system to four additional counties.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has installed its Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS) in Eldoret, Kitale, Kitui and Garissa, bringing the digital service closer to residents seeking the essential document.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, the DCI said the upgraded technology would enable members of the public to apply for and obtain their Police Clearance Certificates in less than five minutes.
The announcement marks a significant development in the government’s efforts to modernise criminal records management and reduce delays in the processing of police clearance documents.
Previously, applicants faced a waiting period of at least 14 working days under the earlier service charter timeline.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has today stepped up the rollout of its new Multi-Biometric Identification System, a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing efficiency and improving service delivery in North Eastern and North Rift which will enable members of the public to apply for and obtain their Police Clearance Certificates in less than five minutes,” the DCI stated.
The latest installations cover Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Kitui and Garissa counties.
Four Counties Receive New DCI Biometric Technology
The DCI deployed two teams to oversee the installation of the new system and train police officers and Huduma Centre personnel on its operation.
The first team, led by Principal Criminal Registrar Winnie Kirai, SSP, supervised installations in Eldoret and Kitale, covering Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia counties.
The second team, led by Eng. Nicholas Tanui, ASP, handled installations in Kitui and Garissa.
In Kitui, the exercise involved County Criminal Investigations Officer Cecilia Mugambi, alongside the Deputy Huduma Centre Manager and other staff members.
In Garissa, the installation and training exercise was conducted in collaboration with Huduma Centre Manager Mohammed Abdulahi.
The DCI said the training would equip local personnel with the skills required to operate the technology and assist applicants seeking Police Clearance Certificates.
Residents in the four counties have been encouraged to visit their nearest designated Huduma Centres to access the service.
How the New Multi-Biometric Identification System Works
The Multi-Biometric Identification System uses modern identification technology to capture and analyse different biometric features, including fingerprints, palm prints and facial recognition data.
The technology is designed to improve identity verification, strengthen criminal records management and reduce delays associated with traditional fingerprint processing.
It also replaces the older Automated Palm and Fingerprint Identification System, which had been in use since 2016.
The upgraded MBIS Version 5 was officially launched at DCI headquarters in Nairobi on July 23, 2026, during an event presided over by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
At the launch, the government said the technology would reduce Police Clearance Certificate processing from the previous 14-day timeline to as little as 24 hours under optimum conditions.
The system also increased the DCI’s record-handling capacity from two million to 10 million records, while daily fingerprint search capacity rose from approximately 4,500 to 20,000.
The latest five-minute claim was made in the DCI’s November 10 rollout announcement. Applicants should, however, follow the instructions issued at their selected centre because actual certificate issuance may depend on verification and processing requirements.
More Huduma Centres Connected to the Biometric System
The latest expansion follows previous installations in several parts of the country as the DCI works towards nationwide coverage.
In September 2026, the agency extended the biometric service to 20 additional centres, mainly covering the Central Region and neighbouring counties.
By October 14, the DCI reported that 26 of the country’s 63 Police Clearance Certificate application centres had been connected to the system, including six previously connected centres in Nairobi.
The technology was also introduced at the Diplomatic Police Unit headquarters, allowing diplomats, foreign nationals and staff of international missions to access Police Clearance Certificate services locally.
The nationwide rollout is ongoing, with the DCI seeking to improve access to the service and reduce the need for applicants to travel to its headquarters in Nairobi.
How to Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct in Kenya
Kenyans seeking a Police Clearance Certificate are required to make their applications through the government’s eCitizen platform.
The DCI has outlined the following application procedure for adult Kenyan citizens.
Step 1: Create or access your eCitizen account
Visit the official DCI eCitizen application portal.
Log in using your existing eCitizen account. Applicants without an account should create one before proceeding.
Step 2: Select Police Clearance Certificate
After logging in, locate and select the Police Clearance Certificate service.
Read the application instructions carefully and select the appropriate adult application option.
Step 3: Complete the application form
Enter the required personal information and follow the instructions provided on the platform.
Select the area and designated location where you intend to have your fingerprints captured.
Step 4: Pay the prescribed application fee
Choose the available payment method and complete the required payment through the official platform.
Applicants should only use the payment instructions provided on eCitizen.
Step 5: Download and print the required documents
After completing the application and payment, download and print:
- Two copies of the application invoice.
- One copy of the C24 fingerprint form, printed on both sides of an A4 sheet.
Step 6: Visit your selected fingerprinting centre
Present the printed invoices, C24 form and original national identity card at the fingerprinting centre selected during the application.
Your fingerprints will be captured digitally and submitted for processing.
Step 7: Download your certificate
Once the Police Clearance Certificate is ready, you will receive an SMS notification directing you to log into your eCitizen account and download the document.
These steps are based on the DCI’s published application instructions.
Where to Get Fingerprints Taken for a Good Conduct Certificate
According to the DCI, applicants can have their fingerprints captured at designated locations, including:
- Huduma Centres across the country.
- DCI Headquarters in Nairobi.
- Refugees Affairs Secretariat for eligible refugee applicants.
- Kenyan embassies and high commissions for applicants living abroad.
Applicants should select their preferred fingerprinting location during the online application and confirm that the required biometric service is available there.
DCI Expands Digital Services to Improve Public Access
The expansion of the Multi-Biometric Identification System is part of the government’s wider efforts to digitise public services and improve access to essential documents.
By connecting more application centres to the technology, the DCI aims to reduce processing delays, improve identity verification and strengthen the management of national criminal records.
Kenyans seeking Certificates of Good Conduct are encouraged to use the official eCitizen platform and follow the instructions provided by the Commission.
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