Residents of Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Kitui and Garissa can now access a faster Police Clearance Certificate application process following the installation of a new biometric identification system at Huduma Centres.
NAIROBI, Kenya – The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has expanded the rollout of its Multi-Biometric Identification System to four additional counties, promising to reduce the time taken to obtain Police Clearance Certificates from at least 14 working days to less than five minutes.
The technology has been installed in Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Kitui and Garissa counties as part of efforts to modernise criminal identification services and make the application process more accessible to the public.
In an update issued on Tuesday, November 10, the DCI said two teams had been deployed to install the system and train officers and Huduma Centre personnel on how to operate it.
The first team, led by Principal Criminal Registrar Winnie Kirai, oversaw installations in Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia, extending the service to residents in the North Rift region.
A second team, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Eng. Nicholas Tanui, handled installations in Kitui and Garissa.
In Kitui, the team worked alongside County Criminal Investigations Officer Cecilia Mugambi and Huduma Centre officials, who received practical training on operating the equipment and assisting applicants.
The exercise in Garissa was conducted in collaboration with Huduma Centre Manager Mohammed Abdulahi and other centre personnel.
DCI Seeks to Cut Two-Week Waiting Period
The new system is expected to significantly reduce the time applicants spend waiting for Police Clearance Certificates, commonly known as Good Conduct certificates.
Under the previous Service Charter timeline, applicants could wait at least 14 working days to receive the document.
The DCI says the multi-biometric technology will enable members of the public to apply for and obtain the certificates in less than five minutes, representing a major reduction in processing time.
The agency has encouraged residents in the four counties to visit their nearest Huduma Centres to access the improved service.
The technology is intended to strengthen identification and verification processes while reducing administrative delays associated with issuing the certificates.
Nationwide Rollout Targets Faster Public Services
The latest installations form part of a wider DCI programme to expand access to modern criminal identification services across the country.
The deployment teams are also tasked with building the capacity of police officers and Huduma Centre employees to ensure they can operate the system and assist applicants.
By placing the technology closer to applicants, the DCI hopes to reduce the need for lengthy processing and make the service more convenient for people seeking employment, professional opportunities and other engagements that require Police Clearance Certificates.
The agency says the initiative reflects its commitment to using technology to improve efficiency, reduce unnecessary delays and strengthen public service delivery.
However, the DCI has not provided a complete list of counties where the system is already operational or a timeline for extending it to all remaining Huduma Centres.
