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Step-by-step guide to getting police clearance certificate in Kenya in 24 hours
23rd July, 2026 01:27 PM
Getting a Police Clearance Certificate in Kenya, popularly known as a Certificate of Good Conduct, used to involve a frustrating wait of up to two weeks.
For job seekers, students, and travellers, those long delays often meant missed opportunities. That hassle is now officially over.
On July 23, 2026, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that applicants can now receive their certificates within 24 hours.
This major change follows the rollout of the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS – ABIS Version 5) at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters in Nairobi.
Faster processing with digital biometrics
The new biometric platform replaces manual ink-and-paper fingerprinting with high-speed digital scanners.
Speaking at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Headquarters during the launch of the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS – ABIS Version 5) system, the Cabinet Secretary outlined how the upgraded system improves service delivery for citizens.
“The turnaround time for processing police clearance certificates, which previously took up to 14 days or more, will now be reduced to just 24 hours,” Murkomen said.
The upgraded system expands fingerprint database storage from two million to 10 million records while boosting daily search capacity from 4,500 to 20,000 requests.
How to complete your application easily
Acquiring your certificate is now a quick, straightforward process that you can complete in a few simple steps.
First, log in to your eCitizen account, select the DCI service option, fill out the application form, and pay the required fee online.
Second, book an appointment and visit your nearest Huduma Centre or DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road for digital fingerprint capture. You no longer need to endure long journeys across counties, as all Huduma Centres now feature the upgraded scanners.
Third, wait for real-time background checks. The system connects directly with the National Registration Bureau, Judiciary, Immigration Department, and INTERPOL to verify your records automatically.
Once verified, your Police Clearance Certificate will be generated and made available on your eCitizen portal within 24 hours for downloading and printing.
