NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenyans applying for Police Clearance Certificates, commonly known as Certificates of Good Conduct, will now receive the documents on the same day following the rollout of a new digital biometric identification system by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The DCI has introduced the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS)-ABIS Version 5, an upgraded platform that replaces the manual fingerprinting process with a fully digital system aimed at improving efficiency, accuracy and turnaround time.
Under the new system, applicants will have their fingerprints captured electronically using biometric scanners instead of the traditional ink-and-paper method. The digital platform will process the information instantly, allowing Police Clearance Certificates to be issued on the same day as the application and fingerprint capture.
The upgrade, which took effect on Monday, July 20, 2026, is expected to significantly reduce processing delays that have long frustrated applicants seeking the document for employment, immigration, education, business registration and other official purposes.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen officially launched the system on Thursday, describing it as a major milestone in the government’s digital transformation agenda and efforts to improve public service delivery.
The launch was attended by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, DCI Director Mohamed Amin, Head of eCitizen Isaac Ochieng, and other senior government officials.
Speaking during the launch, DCI Director Mohamed Amin said the introduction of the upgraded biometric platform marks a significant step in modernising criminal records management and enhancing service delivery.
He noted that the new technology would reduce waiting periods while improving the accuracy and reliability of criminal background checks.
“The upgrade marks a major step in modernising the agency’s services, promising shorter waiting periods and more reliable processing for Kenyans seeking Certificates of Good Conduct,” Amin said.
The DCI also announced that the new biometric platform will be rolled out across all 51 Huduma Centres nationwide, enabling applicants in different parts of the country to access the service more conveniently.
Police Clearance Certificates are among the most sought-after government documents in Kenya and are commonly required by employers, educational institutions, foreign missions and licensing authorities to verify whether an applicant has a criminal record.
The digitisation of the service forms part of the government’s broader digital transformation programme aimed at reducing bureaucracy, eliminating manual processes and improving access to public services through technology.