Applicants seeking Certificates of Good Conduct can now have their fingerprints captured and police clearance processed within minutes at selected centres following the introduction of a new biometric identification system.
However, Kenyans must complete an online application and carry specific documents before visiting the designated desks.
The process of obtaining a Certificate of Good Conduct in Kenya is undergoing a major technological transformation, with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) introducing a modern biometric system designed to reduce the time applicants spend waiting for police clearance.
The new system, known as the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS), is replacing traditional ink-based fingerprint recording and paper-based processing with digital biometric capture.
The development marks a major shift from the previous processing timeline, which required applicants to wait for at least 14 working days before receiving their documents.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, the DCI said the latest installations were part of its efforts to decentralise Police Clearance Certificate services and make them more accessible to members of the public.
“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, compared to the previous Service Charter timeline of at least 14 working days,” the DCI stated.
Some Huduma Centres have reported completing the process in approximately two to five minutes, although the speed depends on the availability of the upgraded system and successful processing of an applicant’s records.
The important thing, however, is that applicants cannot simply walk into a biometric desk and expect to receive the service without completing the necessary preparations.
The MBIS is an upgraded identification technology that captures and analyses multiple biometric identifiers, including:
Unlike the traditional system, which relied heavily on ink-based fingerprint recording, the new technology captures biometric information digitally and compares it against records held in the DCI database.
The system was launched at DCI headquarters in Nairobi on July 23, 2026, by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
According to the DCI, the upgrade is expected to reduce Police Clearance Certificate processing from approximately 14 days to same-day issuance at connected centres.
It has also increased the system’s record-handling capacity from two million to 10 million records, while daily fingerprint searches have increased from approximately 4,500 to 20,000. Directorate of Criminal Investigations+1
The technology is therefore not simply intended to make fingerprint collection faster. It is also designed to improve the accuracy of identity verification and strengthen the DCI’s ability to identify individuals during criminal investigations.
The Directorate announced that it had installed the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS) at Lodwar Huduma Centre in Turkana County and Kapenguria Huduma Centre in West Pokot County.
Before visiting a designated biometric centre, applicants must first complete their applications through the government’s eCitizen platform.
According to the DCI, the following are the essential requirements for Kenyan adults applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct.
1. Original National Identity Card
Applicants must carry their original national identity cards for identification and verification.
The details on the ID should correspond with the information submitted during the online application.
2. Two copies of the payment invoice
After completing the application and payment, applicants should download and print two copies of their payment invoice.
These documents serve as proof that the application fee has been paid.
3. Form C24
Applicants must download and print Form C24, the prescribed fingerprint recording form.
The form should be printed on both sides of an A4 sheet, as directed by the DCI.
4. Personal appearance
The applicant must physically visit the selected biometric centre.
This is because the system requires the applicant’s fingerprints, palm prints and facial image to be captured.
Applicants cannot send another person to undergo biometric registration on their behalf.
These requirements are outlined in the DCI’s official Police Clearance Certificate application guidelines. Directorate of Criminal Investigations+2
The five-minute biometric service does not eliminate the online application process.
Kenyans must first submit their applications through the DCI eCitizen portal before proceeding to the fingerprinting centre.
Here is the process:
Step 1: Access the eCitizen portal
Visit DCI eCitizen portal and log into your account.
Applicants without an account must first register.
Step 2: Select Police Clearance Certificate
Navigate to the Police Clearance Certificate service and select the appropriate application category.
Adult applicants should select the adult application option.
Step 3: Fill in your details
Provide the required personal information and carefully check that the details match those on your identification documents.
Incorrect information could complicate the processing of your application.
Step 4: Select a fingerprinting centre
Choose your preferred fingerprinting location from the available options on the platform.
This is an important step because applicants should visit the centre indicated in their application rather than assume that every DCI office or Huduma Centre has the upgraded biometric equipment.
Step 5: Pay the application fee
Complete the payment through the available eCitizen payment options.
The prescribed Police Clearance Certificate application fee is Ksh1,050.
Step 6: Download and print your documents
After payment, download two copies of the invoice and one copy of Form C24.
Print the C24 form on both sides of an A4 sheet.
Step 7: Visit the selected biometric centre
Present yourself with your original national ID, two payment invoices and the printed C24 form.
Your biometric details will then be captured electronically.
Once the certificate is ready, you will receive an SMS notification directing you to download it through your eCitizen account.
Rono is a digital journalist with a proven track record in newsroom leadership and content creation. Currently a Digital Writer for People Daily Digital, Emmanuel’s career is rooted in a lifelong passion for storytelling. Let's talk here: or
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