Thousands of Kenyans applying for Police Clearance Certificates, commonly known as Certificates of Good Conduct, are set to benefit from faster processing after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced the rollout of a new biometric identification system.
The DCI on Tuesday said it will officially launch the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS) – Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) Version 5 on Monday, July 20, 2026, in what it described as a major technological upgrade aimed at improving service delivery.
According to the investigative agency, the new platform will significantly reduce processing times while enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of issuing Police Clearance Certificates.
“DCI is set to revolutionise how you get your Police Clearance Certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct). Starting Monday, July 20, 2026, we roll out the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS)-ABIS Version 5 — a game-changing platform built to fast-track processing and deliver faster, smarter service,” the agency said.
The DCI added that the upgrade promises “no more long waits, better technology and a better experience” for applicants seeking the document.
What is a Certificate of Good Conduct?
A Police Clearance Certificate is an official document issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations certifying whether an individual has a criminal record in Kenya.
The certificate is among the most sought-after government documents, with thousands of Kenyans applying for it every month for various purposes.
It is commonly required for:
- Job applications in both the public and private sectors;
- Recruitment into disciplined forces such as the National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces and Kenya Prisons Service;
- Immigration and visa applications;
- University admissions and scholarship opportunities abroad;
- Professional licensing and registration;
- Business licensing and government tenders.
The certificate is generated after the applicant’s fingerprints are captured and checked against the national criminal records database.
New biometric technology
The new MBIS-ABIS Version 5 system represents the latest generation of biometric identification technology used to verify fingerprints and other biometric data.
Automated Biometric Identification Systems compare fingerprint records against millions of stored templates, enabling investigators to identify individuals more quickly and accurately than older manual or semi-automated systems.
The DCI says upgrading to Version 5 will improve matching capabilities, reduce turnaround times and enhance overall service delivery.
The system is also expected to strengthen the country’s criminal records management by providing faster biometric searches and more reliable identification.
Current application process for the Certificate of Good Conduct
Currently, applicants seeking a Police Clearance Certificate are required to:
- Register through the government’s eCitizen platform;
- Pay the prescribed application fee;
- Book an appointment for fingerprint capture at a designated DCI office;
- Present the payment receipt and identification documents;
- Undergo fingerprint collection before the application is processed.
Once approved, applicants receive a digital notification before collecting or downloading the certificate through the designated government platform.
Over the years, applicants have occasionally complained about delays in processing, especially during periods of high demand such as recruitment exercises and overseas employment drives.
The latest upgrade is expected to address many of those concerns.
Part of wider government digitisation
The rollout forms part of the government’s broader push to digitise public services and improve efficiency across security and civil registration systems.
In recent years, government agencies have increasingly adopted digital platforms to reduce paperwork, minimise queues and speed up service delivery.
The DCI said additional details about the official launch of the new biometric platform will be announced ahead of its implementation on July 20.
The agency urged members of the public to stay tuned for further communication as it prepares to transition to the upgraded system, which it says will offer a faster, smarter and more reliable experience for Kenyans applying for Certificates of Good Conduct.