Ever found yourself in need of proving you’re on the right side of the law? Whether you’re eyeing that dream job overseas, applying for a visa, or simply want to showcase your upstanding character, a Certificate of Good Conduct is your golden ticket.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of applying for your Certificate of Good Conduct online, saving you time, stress, and shoe leather.
Also read: How to apply for driving license in Kenya
How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate Online
Follow this step-by-step process to get your good conduct certificate without a lot of hustle.
1. Prepare Your Documentation
Before starting the online process, ensure you have your Kenyan national ID card handy. You’ll need the information on it throughout the application.
2. Access the eCitizen Portal
The journey starts at www.ecitizen.go.ke, Kenya’s official online services hub. Navigate to the “Services” tab, select “Directorare of Criminal INvestigations,” and then click on “Apply for Police Clearance Certificate.”
3. Fill Out the Application Form
Choose the person you are applying for. In this case, select “Your Application”.
You are supposed to download2 forms of C24 for taking fingerprints later
4. Get Your Fingerprints Captured
Visit a fingerprinting centre (Huduma) or DCI office with your printed C24 copies, payment vouchers and original ID cards. You can choose your preferred location as you can see from the screenshot below..
5. Make Payment
Make payment of a total of 1,050 to facilitate the process. You can choose mobile money for easier and hassle free transactions.
6. The Waiting Game
Now comes the patience part. Processing times vary from 1 to 2 weeks. Keep an eye on both your email (including spam folder) and text messages for updates on your application status.
7. Download Your Certificate
Once approved, you’ll be notified that your certificate is ready.
- Log back into eCitizen
- navigate to “Download Certificate of Good Conduct,”
- Enter your reference number, and voila! Your official document will download as a PDF.
Here’s a sample:
Eligibility/ Requirements For Good Conduct Certificate in Kenya
To successfully apply for and receive your Certificate of Good Conduct through Kenya’s online system, you must meet several important criteria. Let’s break them down in detail
- You must be a Kenyan citizen and possess a valid national ID
- Have a clean criminal record. This means no prior convictions for criminal offenses and no ongoing criminal cases or investigations against you.
- Registered fingerprints.
- A valid, active email address for sending application updates and delivering your final certificate.
- An active mobile phone number for receiving SMS notifications about your application status.
- Mobile money account with sufficient funds to cover the application fees.
- Ability to physically attend a fingerprinting appointment at a designated DCI office.
How Long Does it Take to Get Certificate of Good Conduct
It takes between 1 – 2 weeks to get the certificate of good conduct.
However, the Kenyan government is expected to make improvements to the Police Clearance Certificate system to reduce this time significantly. The streamlined system is expected to not only clear existing backlogs but also keep pace with the daily influx of new applications.
This advancement comes as a result of a new contract between the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and M/S Idemia Southern and Eastern Africa Limited, overseen by DCI Director Mohamed Amin.
The upgrade involves transitioning from the current Automated Palm and Fingerprint Identification System (APFIS) to a more advanced Multi Biometric Identification System (MBIS). Amin explained that this change was implemented in response to public concerns about delays in certificate processing.
Highlighting the benefits of the new system, Amin stated:
“The new system, MBIS will improve the processing speed of the certificates from the initial 14 days to one day, thus effectively contributing to the clearance of the backlog while also matching the corresponding number of applications to those processed in a day.”
How Can You Know If Your Police Clearance Certificate is authentic?
In an era where document forgery is increasingly sophisticated, you need to know how to verify the authenticity of your Certificate of Good Conduct. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya has implemented a straightforward mobile-based verification system to combat fraud.
Here’s how to use this service:
1. Subscribe to the DCI verification service by sending an SMS with the word “DCI” to the short code 21546. You’ll receive a confirmation message enrolling you in the service. This subscription is a one-time process that grants you access to the verification system.
2. On your mobile phone, dial *512#. This USSD code will open the DCI’s verification menu. Ensure you’re using the same phone number you used to subscribe to the service.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts carefully. You will be asked to input specific details from the certificate, such as:
– The certificate number
– The date of issue
– The name on the certificate
4. After submitting the required information, the system will process your request. This typically takes just a few moments. You’ll receive an SMS with the verification results.
5. If the certificate is genuine, you’ll receive a message confirming its validity. If it’s not authentic, the message will indicate that the certificate is invalid or not found in the system.
Note: While the mobile service is the quickest, you can also visit the nearest DCI office for in-person verification.
Key Takeaway
Obtaining your Certificate of Good Conduct in Kenya has become a streamlined, digital process that puts this crucial document within easy reach. By following the steps outlined in this guide, from initial application on eCitizen to the final download of your certificate, you can navigate the system with confidence and ease.
