Senators Push for Lifetime Validity of Certificate of Good Conduct
Kenyan senators want the Ministry of Interior and National Police Service (NPS) to reform the process of getting a Certificate of Good Conduct by making it lifetime and only revocable upon conviction.
The lawmakers say the current system where one has to renew it every year is cumbersome and expensive especially for the youth who are the majority of job seekers in the country.
Currently the certificate is only valid for 12 months after issuance. Senators now want the government to automate and decentralise the whole process to make it efficient, transparent and accessible to all Kenyans.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei led the call saying the certificate should only be revoked in case of arrest and conviction.
“Why should someone renew it every year? Only in case of arrest and conviction should the certificate be revoked,” he said.
He condemned the centralised system that forces citizens from far flung counties like Turkana, Kilifi and Meru to travel to Nairobi for the document. He also termed the Sh1,050 application fee as punitive saying it adds to the heavy financial burden on unemployed youth.
“A young person in Kenya needs around Sh10,000 to attend a single job interview when you factor in transport and clearance documents like KRA, HELB and the certificate of good conduct,” he added.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu echoed similar sentiments saying the government should incorporate advanced technologies like biometric fingerprint recognition and secure digital verification systems. He said automation would not only reduce delays but also prevent forgery and corruption.
“The process is tedious and time consuming. Biometric verification will enhance accuracy, security and efficiency in verifying individual records,” he said.
He also urged the government to sensitize rural areas on how to apply and renew the document digitally once the system is automated.
Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda supported the proposal saying decentralisation would improve convenience and reduce waiting time for applicants.
“This is doable because we have already centralised data systems for ID cards,” he said.
Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago said the certificate should be accessible to all Kenyans not just job seekers. He said with Kenya’s mobile phone penetration rate at 95% digital issuance through smartphones would make the service faster and more inclusive.> “There’s no reason why citizens should still travel for a service that can be digital,” Mandago said.
If this is approved millions will save time and money and reduce the red tape in job applications and business registration.
Also Read: PS Sing’oei Embarrasses Kenya Again as Russian Diplomat Publicly Puts Him in His Place
Senators Push for Lifetime Validity of Certificate of Good Conduct