How to Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct in Kenya (2026 eCitizen Guide)
How to Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct
A Certificate of Good Conduct (Police Clearance Certificate) from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirms whether you have a criminal record. Employers, universities, embassies and licensing bodies often require one. You apply on eCitizen and then have your fingerprints taken.
Fee and Validity
- Fee: KES 1,050 (KES 1,000 plus a KES 50 convenience fee), paid on eCitizen
- Validity: most institutions accept it for one year from the date of issue, though some require a recent one
Step-by-Step
- Log in to your eCitizen account.
- Open the Directorate of Criminal Investigations service and select Police Clearance Certificate.
- Fill in the application form and confirm your details.
- Choose where you will have your fingerprints taken - DCI headquarters on Kiambu Road in Nairobi, Huduma Centres offering the service, or county police stations that take fingerprints.
- Pay KES 1,050 through M-Pesa (paybill 222222), card or bank.
- Download and print the invoice and the C24 fingerprint form generated after payment.
- Visit your chosen station with your original ID, the invoice and the C24 form for fingerprinting.
- Track your application on eCitizen. When it is ready, download the certificate from your account.
How Long It Takes
Processing usually takes about two to six weeks after fingerprinting, depending on demand. Apply early if you need it for a job start date or visa appointment.
Applying From Abroad
Kenyans abroad apply on eCitizen and take fingerprints at a local police station or Kenyan mission using the C24 form or an accepted fingerprint card. The completed fingerprints are sent to DCI headquarters in Nairobi, together with a copy of the ID or passport and the payment invoice.
Tips
- Use your full names exactly as on your ID.
- Keep your payment invoice; you need its reference number.
- If the status is stuck for a long time, follow up with DCI using your application reference.
The certificate is often needed alongside a CV - see how to write a CV that gets interviews.
Who Asks for a Certificate of Good Conduct?
| Purpose | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Employment in Kenya | Many employers, especially banks, schools, security firms and the public sector |
| Public appointments | Required alongside KRA, HELB, EACC and CRB clearances |
| Visas and work abroad | Required by many embassies for work, study and residence visas |
| Professional licensing | Lawyers, teachers, health workers and others during registration |
| Firearm and certain licences | Required during vetting |
| Adoption and fostering | Required during assessment |
If you are applying for jobs abroad - for example under Germany's Opportunity Card - start early, because embassies often require a certificate issued within the last few months. See our Germany jobs guide.
Timeline at a Glance
| Step | Typical time |
|---|---|
| eCitizen application and payment | 15 to 30 minutes |
| Fingerprinting visit | Half a day, depending on queues |
| Processing at DCI | About two to six weeks |
| Download | Immediately once approved |
Preparing for Fingerprinting
- Carry your original ID, the eCitizen invoice and the C24 form.
- Arrive early - queues at DCI headquarters and busy Huduma Centres build up quickly.
- Keep your hands clean and free of henna or cuts if possible; poor prints can delay processing.
- Confirm the station is currently offering fingerprinting before you travel.
What If You Have a Record?
If you have a past conviction, the certificate will reflect it. Some old or minor matters may qualify for expungement or have been resolved; if you believe a record is wrong, follow up with DCI's records office with your court documents. Do not try to hide a record from an employer or embassy - the check will show it.
Common Mistakes
- Applying too late for a visa appointment or job start date.
- Using names that differ from your ID, which causes mismatches.
- Paying intermediaries who promise faster processing. The only fee is KES 1,050 on eCitizen.
- Losing the invoice, which you need to follow up.
- Submitting an expired certificate. Many institutions want one issued within the last six to twelve months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check the status of my application? Log in to eCitizen and open your DCI applications. The status updates as the application moves through processing.
Can someone apply on my behalf? The application is tied to your eCitizen account and your fingerprints must be taken in person, so you need to be involved directly.
Is the certificate accepted abroad? Yes, it is the official police clearance from Kenya. Some countries also require it to be apostilled or authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
How long is the certificate valid? It shows the date of issue. Most institutions accept certificates issued within the last year; some ask for a newer one.
Apostille and Authentication for Use Abroad
Some countries require your certificate to be authenticated before they accept it. In Kenya, documents for use abroad are typically authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, and many countries now accept an apostille. Check the destination country's requirements and the embassy's checklist early, because authentication adds time to the process.