Simple guide on how to get your good conduct certificate in Kenya
By William Muthama, December 1, 2025Obtaining a Certificate of Good Conduct in Kenya is an essential requirement for employment, business, travel, or other official matters.
A Certificate of Good Conduct, also known as a Police Clearance Certificate, is an official document issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya.
It confirms whether an individual has a criminal record and is often required for employment, visa applications, business licensing, scholarships, or public service vehicle registration.
As of 2025, the process has been fully digitalised, making it more accessible and faster, though fingerprint verification still requires an in-person visit.
Starting your application online
To begin, applicants must create or log in to their eCitizen account at ecitizen.go.ke or via the eCitizen app. New users provide their ID number, full name, phone, and email, and verify their account through an SMS or OTP.
Once logged in, they select the Directorate of Criminal Investigations under “Government Services” and choose the Police Clearance Certificate, also known as the Certificate of Good Conduct.
Applicants indicate whether they are applying as adults or minors and fill in personal information, including full name, date of birth, ID number, address, and reason for application. Foreigners residing in Kenya for more than six months must upload supporting documents such as work permits or proof of residence.
After completing the online application, an invoice for Ksh1,050 is generated. Payment can be made via M-Pesa, card, or bank deposit. Alongside the invoice, applicants receive Form C24, which is required for fingerprint submission.
Fingerprint submission
While the application starts online, the fingerprinting step requires visiting a DCI office or Huduma Centre.
Applicants present their original ID and the printed invoice and form, and an officer captures fingerprints and palm prints digitally or manually, a process that takes about 10–15 minutes.
Walk-ins for fingerprinting are allowed during business hours without prior appointments.
Collecting your certificate
Once fingerprints are submitted, applicants can track their certificate status through eCitizen. The certificate is typically processed within one to two weeks and is valid for 12 months.
It can be downloaded as a PDF, which is fully e-stamped, or collected as a hard copy from the same office where fingerprints were taken. Only the applicant may collect the certificate; no proxies are allowed.
By following these steps carefully, Kenyans and eligible residents can efficiently obtain their Certificate of Good Conduct, ensuring smooth access to employment, education, visas, or business licensing without delays.