Chapter Six clearance certificates
How to Get a Certificate of Good Conduct (Police Clearance) in Kenya
Apply 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.
- Time needed
- About a day after fingerprints
- Cost
- Fee shown on eCitizen
- Valid for
- Employers usually want one under 6 to 12 months old
- Where
- eCitizen, then a Huduma Centre or DCI headquarters
What you need
- An eCitizen account
- Your original National ID (or passport for foreign nationals)
- A way to pay the fee online (M-Pesa, card or bank)
- The printed invoice and fingerprint appointment details from eCitizen
The Certificate of Good Conduct, officially the Police Clearance Certificate, is issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). It states whether you have a criminal record in Kenya. It is one of the most requested documents for government jobs, security-sensitive roles, jobs working with children, and jobs and visas abroad.
What changed in 2026
The government upgraded the fingerprinting system in 2026. Fingerprints are now captured digitally at Huduma Centres and DCI headquarters, background checks run electronically, and the government says certificates can now be issued within about 24 hours, compared with up to two weeks before. It is still wise to apply as soon as you see a job that asks for it, in case of delays.
Step by step: how to apply
- Log in to eCitizen and open the Directorate of Criminal Investigations service.
- Choose Police Clearance Certificate and fill in the application form with your personal details.
- Pay the fee shown on eCitizen using M-Pesa, card or another listed method.
- Book your fingerprint appointment and print or save the invoice and the appointment details.
- Go for fingerprinting at your chosen Huduma Centre or DCI headquarters on Kiambu Road, Nairobi. Carry your original ID and the invoice.
- Download the certificate from your eCitizen account once it is ready, and print it.
If you live abroad
Kenyans abroad can still apply on eCitizen. Fingerprints are usually taken at a Kenyan embassy or a police station abroad and sent to the DCI. Check the instructions on eCitizen and with your nearest Kenyan mission, as processes differ by country.
If you have a criminal record
The certificate will show any record held. If you believe a record is wrong, or a case was dismissed or you were acquitted, contact the DCI with your court documents to have the record corrected. Having a record does not automatically bar you from every job, but employers in sensitive sectors may decline.
Tips for job seekers
- Check the advert: many employers want a certificate issued within the last 6 or 12 months.
- Keep both a printed copy and a PDF.
- Employers can verify certificates with the DCI, so never alter one.
- Only use the official eCitizen website. Ignore people at offices or online who offer to "speed up" your certificate for a fee.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a Certificate of Good Conduct in 2026?
After the 2026 system upgrade, the government says certificates can be issued within about 24 hours of fingerprinting. Delays still happen, so apply as soon as you see a job that needs one.
Where can I get my fingerprints taken?
At Huduma Centres, which now have digital fingerprint scanners, or at DCI headquarters on Kiambu Road, Nairobi. Book the appointment when you apply on eCitizen.
How much does a Certificate of Good Conduct cost?
You pay a fee on eCitizen when you apply. The amount is shown during the application, and you should not pay anyone else.
How long is a Certificate of Good Conduct valid?
The certificate does not have a fixed expiry date, but most employers want one issued within the last 6 to 12 months. Check the job advert.
Is a police clearance certificate the same as a Certificate of Good Conduct?
Yes. Police Clearance Certificate is the official name; most people and employers in Kenya call it a Certificate of Good Conduct.
Go to eCitizen (Directorate of Criminal Investigations)
Processes and fees change from time to time. Always follow the instructions on the official website, and never pay anyone who offers to "speed up" a clearance for you.