How to get a Certificate of Good Conduct in Kenya
Last updated 1 July 2026
A Certificate of Good Conduct (also called a Police Clearance Certificate) is issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and shows whether you have a criminal record. You apply through the DCI service on eCitizen and attend fingerprint capture in person. Here is the whole process, plainly.
What it is and who issues it
The Certificate of Good Conduct is an official document issued by the DCI. It confirms whether an individual has a recorded criminal history in Kenya. Verifisha does not issue this certificate — the DCI does, via eCitizen — this guide simply explains the process.
Who usually needs one
- Employment — many employers request it before hiring.
- Visas, immigration and residency applications.
- Adoption and fostering.
- Firearm licensing and certain tenders or professional bodies.
What you will need
- A verified eCitizen account.
- Your original National ID (and a clear copy).
- Your fingerprints, captured in person at a designated centre.
- The application fee, paid online through eCitizen.
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How to apply, step by step
- 1
Log in to eCitizen
Create or sign in to your eCitizen account and verify your details so you can access government services.
- 2
Open the DCI Police Clearance service
Find the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) “Police Clearance Certificate / Certificate of Good Conduct” service and start a new application.
- 3
Complete the application and pay
Fill in your details, then pay the application fee online. Keep the payment confirmation and any invoice or QR code the system gives you.
- 4
Attend fingerprint capture
Book or visit a designated DCI office or Huduma Centre with your original National ID to have your fingerprints taken on the official form.
- 5
Wait for processing
The DCI processes your application and checks its records. You can track progress from your eCitizen account.
- 6
Download or collect your certificate
Once it is ready, download the certificate from eCitizen or collect it as instructed. Check that your name and ID details are correct.
Cost and how long it takes
There is a set application fee, paid on eCitizen, and processing usually takes a few weeks. Fees and timelines change from time to time, so confirm the current amount and turnaround on the official eCitizen/DCI service before you apply.
How to check your status
Log in to eCitizen and open your DCI application to see its current status. If it has been longer than the stated timeline, follow up through the official channel shown on your application.
Common reasons for delays or rejection
- Name or ID details that do not match your records.
- Poor-quality fingerprints that need to be recaptured.
- An unpaid or unconfirmed application fee.
- Applying with an unverified eCitizen account.
Fees, timelines and exact steps are set by the DCI/eCitizen and change over time. Confirm current details on the official eCitizen service before relying on this guide.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is a Certificate of Good Conduct valid?
It reflects your record at the time it was issued. Many organisations only accept a recent certificate (often within the last year), so check the requirement of whoever asked for it.
Can I apply from outside Kenya?
Applicants abroad can usually start on eCitizen, but fingerprint capture must still be done on the official form — often through a Kenyan mission. Confirm the current process for your country.
Is a Certificate of Good Conduct enough to trust a new hire?
It is one useful signal, but it only covers a criminal record at a point in time. For hiring you usually also want identity verification, references and, where relevant, credit and employment checks — which is what Verifisha brings together with consent.
Do employers need the applicant’s consent to check them?
Yes. Running checks on someone should be consent-led and lawful. Verifisha sends a clear consent request and stores the approval as evidence.
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