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Job application documents: step-by-step guides

Government and many private employers in Kenya ask for clearance certificates that take time to get. These free guides explain what each document is, how to get it, what it costs and how long it takes.

Chapter Six checklist for public jobs

  1. KRA Tax Compliance CertificateOnline on KRA iTax · Usually the same day
  2. Certificate of Good ConducteCitizen, then a Huduma Centre or DCI headquarters · About a day after fingerprints
  3. HELB clearance certificateHELB website or a HELB office · Same day to a few days
  4. CRB clearance certificateOnline, from any licensed Credit Reference Bureau · Usually a few days
  5. EACC self-declaration formEACC offices, or online on the Adili portal · Allow a few days

Tip: file your KRA return and check your HELB and CRB status now, before you need them. Problems there take the longest to fix.

Getting started

The accounts you need before you can get most clearances or apply for many jobs.

KRA PINRegister for a KRA PIN online on iTax for free: who needs one, what you need, the exact steps, how to print your PIN certificate, and what to do next so you can get a Tax Compliance Certificate later. Usually the same dayFreeeCitizen accountCreate an eCitizen account to apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct, HELB and other government services online. Who can register, what you need, the steps, and how to keep your account safe. About 10 minutesFree

Chapter Six clearance certificates

Public sector employers, and many private ones, ask shortlisted candidates for these integrity clearances. Some take time, so start early.

KRA Tax Compliance CertificateApply for a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate online on iTax in minutes. What you need, the exact steps, why applications get rejected and how to fix them. Free and valid for 12 months. Usually the same dayFreeCertificate of Good ConductApply for a Certificate of Good Conduct (Police Clearance Certificate) on eCitizen, get your fingerprints taken at a Huduma Centre or DCI headquarters, and download the certificate. Steps, documents and tips. About a day after fingerprintsFee shown on eCitizenHELB clearance certificateWhich HELB certificate you need (compliance, clearance or non-loanee), how to apply online, and what to do if you are behind on your HELB loan. Needed for most government jobs. Same day to a few daysUsually freeCRB clearance certificateGet a CRB clearance certificate from Metropol, TransUnion or Creditinfo. How to check whether you are listed, how to clear a defaulted loan (including mobile loans) and your rights under the CRB rules. Usually a few daysFirst application should be freeEACC self-declaration formHow to get EACC clearance for a job: download and fill the self-declaration form, have it witnessed by a Commissioner for Oaths, and submit it in person or online on the EACC Adili portal. Allow a few daysFree (plus an oath fee)

Application documents

The documents every job application needs: a strong CV, a tailored cover letter and properly certified copies.

Certified copies of certificatesWhat "certified copies" means in a job advert, who can certify them (a Commissioner for Oaths), how to prepare and scan them for online applications, and what never to send. Same dayCommissioner for Oaths feeCVA short, clear CV tailored to each job beats a long generic one. The best CV format for Kenyan employers, what each section should contain, examples of strong achievements, and common mistakes. An hour or twoFreeCover letterA one-page cover letter in three or four short paragraphs: why this job, why you, and a clear close. The structure, a full example, and the mistakes that get applications rejected. 30 minutesFree

Frequently asked questions

What are Chapter Six clearance certificates?

Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya sets leadership and integrity standards for public officers. Before appointing people to public jobs, employers check that candidates are compliant with tax (KRA), student loans (HELB), credit (CRB), criminal records (DCI) and ethics (EACC). The documents that show this are often called Chapter Six clearances.

When do I need the clearance certificates?

Usually when you are shortlisted for a government, county or state corporation job, especially senior positions. Some adverts ask for them with the application. Check each advert, and start early because some take days or weeks.

Which clearance takes the longest?

Sorting out a problem takes longest: unfiled tax returns, HELB arrears or a CRB listing. If your records are clean, most certificates can be obtained online within a few days.

Do private employers ask for these documents?

Some do, especially banks, NGOs and companies hiring for finance or senior roles. Almost every employer asks for a CV, and many ask for a cover letter and certified copies of certificates.

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