The latest expansion of the Multi-Biometric Identification System, MBIS, has seen the technology installed at Lodwar and Kapenguria Huduma Centres, respectively, bringing faster, more efficient and technology-driven services within closer reach of residents in the two counties.
The move is part of the Government's commitment to bringing essential services closer to the people. For many years, residents of Turkana and West Pokot had to travel long distances to Nairobi or other major towns to process their PCCs. That journey cost time and money. It also delayed jobs, travel, and other opportunities. Now, they can get the service closer to home.
Powered by modern biometric technology, the system has revolutionised PCC processing, significantly reducing turnaround time while enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of criminal identification. What previously took at least 14 working days can now be accomplished in less than five minutes, marking a remarkable leap in service delivery.
That change is huge for ordinary Kenyans. A PCC, also known as a Certificate of Good Conduct, is required for many things. It is required for jobs. It is required for visas and travel. It is required for work permits. It is required for some business licences. It is required for adoption and other legal processes. When it took 14 days, many people lost opportunities. When it takes five minutes, opportunities open faster.
To ensure seamless integration and effective utilisation of the technology, Huduma Centre personnel received hands-on training on system operations and the processing of PCC applications, equipping them with the requisite skills to deliver efficient and responsive services.
Officials say training was important. The system uses fingerprints and other biometric data. Staff must know how to capture the data correctly. They must know how to process applications. They must know how to help applicants who may not be familiar with technology. The training, officials say, will ensure residents get good service from day one.
The rollout forms part of the broader Government transformation agenda, which seeks to modernise policing through the adoption of innovative technologies, strengthen institutional efficiency and place citizen-centred service delivery at the heart of public service.
Supporters of the move say it is a step in the right direction. They say Turkana and West Pokot have long been left behind in service delivery. They say bringing MBIS to Lodwar and Kapenguria shows the government is serious about equity. They say all Kenyans, no matter where they live, deserve fast and modern services.
They say the system will also improve accuracy. Biometric technology reduces errors. It reduces cases of mistaken identity. It makes criminal identification more reliable. That, they say, is good for security and for innocent Kenyans who may have been wrongly flagged in the past.
Residents of Turkana and West Pokot are encouraged to visit Lodwar and Kapenguria Huduma Centres, respectively, and experience the convenience of modernised PCC processing.
Residents who spoke about the rollout said they are happy. They say they have waited for this for long. They say they used to spend thousands of shillings travelling to Nairobi for a PCC. They say they used to sleep in towns, waiting for results. Now, they say, they can save that money and time.
Others say the government should do more. They say other counties also need the same service. They say internet connectivity in Turkana and West Pokot is still a challenge. They say Huduma Centres must have reliable power and internet for the system to work. They say staff must be present and helpful, not absent.
Others say the government should also reduce the cost of PCC. They say even if the service is fast, it must be affordable for young people and job seekers. They say many young people are unemployed and cannot afford high fees.
Officials say the expansion will continue. They say the goal is to have MBIS in all Huduma Centres across the country. They say technology is the future of policing and public service.
For now, residents of Turkana and West Pokot can visit Lodwar and Kapenguria Huduma Centres for their PCCs.
One thing is clear. The DCI has expanded its biometric PCC services to Turkana and West Pokot. What took 14 days can now take less than five minutes. For residents of the two counties, service has come closer home.
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