NAIROBI, Kenya- The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has connected 26 Police Clearance Certificate application centres to its upgraded biometric identification system as part of a nationwide modernisation programme.
The DCI announced the completion of the second phase of deploying the Multi-Biometric Identification System, known as MBIS or Automated Biometric Identification System Version 5.
The latest phase connected 20 centres, mainly within the Central region and neighbouring areas, to the system. Six centres in Nairobi had already been connected during the first phase.
The newly connected centres are Kajiado Central, Kajiado West-Kisamis, Machakos, Thika, Kamwangi, Murang’a, Nyeri, Ol Kalou, Nanyuki, Makutano in Laikipia East and Maralal in Samburu.
Others are Kerugoya, Mwea, Embu, Chuka, Marimanti, Maara, Kathwana, Meru and Isiolo.
The expansion means 26 of the country’s 63 Police Clearance Certificate application centres are now linked to the upgraded platform.
“The latest phase, which primarily covered the Central Region and neighbouring areas, has extended the system to 20 additional centres,” the DCI said.
The new platform is designed to improve the management and matching of biometric information used when processing Police Clearance Certificates and handling criminal records.
Police Clearance Certificates, formerly known as certificates of good conduct, are commonly required when applying for employment, visas, public appointments and other services.
The DCI said extending MBIS beyond Nairobi would bring modernised biometric identification and Police Clearance Certificate processing closer to applicants in different parts of the country.
The rollout targets all operational Huduma Centres that provide clearance certificate services.
The agency said its deployment teams were preparing for the next phase, which will cover the remaining regions. It did not provide a completion date for connecting the other 37 application centres.
The DCI said the nationwide deployment was intended to improve efficiency, strengthen the security of criminal-record systems and support faster service delivery.
“The ongoing nationwide deployment underscores the DCI’s commitment to harnessing technology to strengthen service delivery, enhance efficiency and security, and advance a more modern, citizen-centred criminal justice system,” the agency said.
