How long is a Certificate of Good Conduct valid in Kenya?
Last updated 27 October 2026
A Certificate of Good Conduct does not carry a fixed legal expiry date, but that does not mean it lasts forever in practice. What matters is how recent it is — here is what that means for you.
The short answer
The certificate reflects your criminal record on the day it was issued. It has no stamped expiry, but because your record can change, the people who ask for it — employers, embassies, licensing bodies — usually want one issued recently, often within the last six to twelve months.
Who sets the "valid" window
- Employers often ask for a certificate issued within the last 6–12 months.
- Embassies and immigration authorities set their own recency rule, sometimes as short as 3 months.
- Professional bodies, tenders and licensing may have their own requirement.
- Always check the recency the requesting party asks for, not a general rule.
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How to make sure yours is accepted
- 1
Ask for the recency requirement
Before you apply, ask the employer, embassy or body exactly how recent the certificate must be.
- 2
Time your application
Apply close to when you will submit it, so it is as recent as possible and comfortably inside their window.
- 3
Reapply when it is stale
If your existing certificate is older than the window required, apply for a fresh one — there is no renewal, only a new application.
Why "valid forever" is a myth
Because the certificate only captures a moment in time, an old one tells an employer little about today. That is why ongoing trust — verified identity, references and, where needed, CRB — matters alongside a one-off certificate.
Recency requirements are set by each employer, embassy or body — there is no single national validity period. Confirm the window with whoever requested the certificate.
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Frequently asked questions
Does a Certificate of Good Conduct expire?
It has no printed expiry date, but it only reflects your record on the issue date. Most organisations treat one older than 6–12 months as out of date and ask for a fresh certificate.
How long is it valid for a visa or job?
It depends on who is asking. Many employers accept one issued within the last year; some embassies want one issued within the last three months. Always confirm the exact requirement with them.
Can I renew a Certificate of Good Conduct?
There is no renewal process — you simply apply for a new certificate on eCitizen when you need a current one.
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