How to Get a Certificate of Good Conduct in Kenya (DCI Police Clearance) 2026

To get a Certificate of Good Conduct in Kenya, apply for a Police Clearance Certificate through the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) service on eCitizen, pay the fee online, then have your fingerprints taken at a designated DCI office or Huduma Centre. Once processed, you download or collect the certificate as instructed.

Last checked: November 2026. Confirm details on the official portal before you pay.

What is a Certificate of Good Conduct?

It is an official document from the DCI confirming whether you have a criminal record in Kenya. Its official name is the Police Clearance Certificate, but most people and adverts call it a "Certificate of Good Conduct".

Who needs it?

• Applicants for public service, county and parastatal jobs, especially at shortlist or appointment stage
• People working with children, patients, money or security (teachers, nurses, banks, security firms, drivers)
• NGO and international organisation staff
• People applying for visas, work permits or study abroad
• Some professional licensing bodies

It is one of the five clearances in our Chapter Six clearance checklist.

What you need

• An eCitizen account (free to create with your ID number)
• Your national ID card (original, for fingerprinting)
• A way to pay online, such as M-Pesa through eCitizen
• Time to visit a fingerprinting centre

Step-by-step: how to apply on eCitizen

1. Go to ecitizen.go.ke and log in, or create an account.
2. Find the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) service. You can search for "Police Clearance".
3. Select Apply for Police Clearance Certificate.
4. Fill in the form: personal details, reason for the certificate (for example employment) and contact details.
5. Pay the fee using one of the eCitizen payment options. Check the current fee shown on eCitizen before paying.
6. Download and print the invoice and the fingerprint form generated after payment. Keep the receipt.
7. Visit a designated fingerprinting centre with your original ID, printed invoice and receipt. Check eCitizen or the DCI website for the current list of centres; it has included the DCI headquarters in Nairobi and many Huduma Centres.
8. Your fingerprints are taken and sent for processing.
9. Track your application on eCitizen. When it is ready, download the certificate or follow the collection instructions shown.

How long does it take?

Processing time varies with demand and location. It can take from several days to a few weeks. Apply as early as possible, especially if a job deadline depends on it. Check the DCI or eCitizen pages for any current guidance on timelines.

How much does it cost?

Check the current fee on eCitizen before you pay. Pay only through the official eCitizen system, never to an individual's phone number.

How long is a Certificate of Good Conduct valid?

Many employers and embassies only accept a certificate issued recently, often within the last six months to one year. The exact rule depends on who is asking, so check the advert or requirement. If yours is older, apply for a new one.

Verifying a certificate

Employers can verify certificates through the official channels. This is one reason fake certificates are quickly exposed. Never buy a "ready" certificate from a middleman.

Common problems and tips

• Unclear fingerprints: this can delay processing. Make sure your hands are clean and follow the officer's guidance.
• Wrong details on the form: they must match your ID exactly.
• Lost receipt: you can usually reprint the invoice and receipt from your eCitizen account.
• If you have a past case: the certificate will show any record. If a case was resolved in your favour, keep court documents ready to explain.
• Applying from abroad: the DCI has a process for Kenyans abroad, typically involving fingerprints taken at an embassy or police station. Check the DCI and eCitizen pages for current instructions.

Beware of scams

Some people sell fake certificates or charge to "speed up" applications. Fake documents can lead to criminal charges and disqualification. Read our guide to job scams in Kenya.

Next steps

Most public sector jobs ask for several clearances together. Get them in parallel: your KRA tax compliance certificate, HELB clearance, CRB clearance and EACC clearance. Then browse government jobs on KaziMatch.