A good conduct certificate - officially a police clearance certificate - comes from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Employers, immigration, universities abroad and some landlords ask for one. It costs KES 1,050.

Step by step

  1. Log in to eCitizen and open DCI, then Police Clearance Certificate.
  2. Fill in the form. Foreign residents apply with a passport and permit details.
  3. Pay KES 1,050 by M-Pesa or card.
  4. Download and print the invoice and the C24 fingerprint form.
  5. Take them, with your original ID or passport, for fingerprinting.
  6. Wait for the SMS or email, then download the certificate from eCitizen.

Where to have fingerprints taken

  • DCI headquarters on Kiambu Road, the main centre, with long queues on weekday mornings.
  • Selected Huduma Centres, including the GPO centre in the CBD.

Go early. Fingerprints are taken free of charge; do not pay anyone to “fast track” them.

How long it takes

Usually two to six weeks after fingerprinting, longer at busy times. If you need it for a job offer with a deadline, apply as soon as you know.

How long it is valid

Most organisations treat a certificate as valid for one year, or ask for one issued within the last six months. Check what yours wants.

Applying from abroad

Kenyans and former residents abroad apply on eCitizen in the same way. Instead of going to DCI, you have fingerprints taken on the C24 form by a police station or authorised fingerprinting service where you live, then send the form to DCI as instructed on eCitizen.

Common problems

  • Stuck “in progress” for many weeks: ask at DCI headquarters with your invoice number.
  • A past case shows up: you may need court documents showing how it ended.

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