Government jobs, county appointments and many private employers ask for a set of clearances before confirming an offer. Under Chapter Six of the Constitution they are compulsory for most public appointments. Each comes from a different body, and some take weeks, so start early.
The five clearances
| Clearance | From | Where | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax compliance certificate | KRA | iTax | Often same day |
| Certificate of good conduct | DCI | eCitizen, then fingerprints | 2 to 6 weeks |
| HELB compliance certificate | HELB | HELB portal | A few days |
| Credit report clearance | A licensed CRB | The CRB’s website or app | A few days |
| Self-declaration form clearance | EACC | EACC office or as the employer directs | Varies |
KRA - tax compliance certificate
Proves you have filed and paid your taxes. Free on iTax. See Getting a tax compliance certificate.
DCI - certificate of good conduct
Shows whether you have a criminal record. Costs KES 1,050. See Certificate of good conduct. This one takes longest, so apply first.
HELB - compliance certificate
From the Higher Education Loans Board. It confirms either that you never had a HELB loan, or that your loan is being repaid or is cleared. Apply on the HELB student portal and pay the small fee. If you are behind on repayments, you will need to agree a repayment plan before it is issued.
CRB - credit report clearance
A credit reference bureau report shows whether you are listed as a defaulter. Kenya has three licensed bureaus: Metropol, TransUnion and Creditinfo. Apply on the bureau’s website or app with your ID; there is a fee for the clearance certificate. If you are negatively listed - often for a forgotten mobile loan - pay the lender, ask them to update the bureau, then apply again.
EACC - clearance
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission clears candidates for public office. You fill in a self-declaration form, which is usually sent by the hiring body, and EACC checks its records. Follow the instructions in the job advert or offer letter.
Tips
- Scan everything and keep PDFs, because many applications ask for all five at once.
- Check validity. Employers often want certificates issued within the last six to twelve months.
- Private jobs usually ask for fewer - commonly the good conduct certificate and sometimes the TCC.