NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenyans applying for Certificates of Good Conduct could soon receive the document within 24 hours after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced the rollout of a new biometric identification system aimed at transforming service delivery and strengthening forensic investigations.
The agency said it will officially launch the Multi-Biometric Identification System Automated Biometric Identification System Version 5 (MBIS-ABIS V5) on Monday, July 20, marking a major upgrade from the fingerprint identification platform that has been in use for years.
According to the DCI, the new system is expected to reduce Certificate of Good Conduct processing time from the current period of up to 14 days to as little as one day, significantly improving turnaround times for thousands of applicants.
Beyond speeding up the issuance of the certificates, the platform is designed to improve biometric matching, eliminate duplicate records and enhance the accuracy of suspect identification during criminal investigations through advanced forensic technology.
The upgrade forms part of the government’s broader digital transformation programme, which seeks to modernise public services through secure and integrated technology.
In recent months, the government has introduced digital birth certificates to allow electronic access to birth registration records and is also preparing to roll out a new digital national identity card to enable secure identity verification and easier access to public services.
The DCI said the new biometric platform complements these initiatives by creating a more efficient and secure identity verification ecosystem that allows government agencies to process applications faster while improving the accuracy of biometric records.
Development of the MBIS platform has been ongoing for several years as the agency sought to replace its ageing biometric infrastructure with a system capable of managing millions of records while supporting modern forensic investigations.
Although the DCI has not announced any changes to application procedures or fees for Certificates of Good Conduct, it said additional details will be provided during the official launch.
If successfully implemented, the new platform is expected to significantly reduce waiting times for one of Kenya’s most sought-after government documents while boosting the efficiency of criminal investigations and other public services that rely on biometric identification.