Chapter Six Clearance Documents for Government Jobs in Kenya: Full Checklist (2026)

Public sector jobs in Kenya usually require five clearance documents to show you meet Chapter Six of the Constitution: a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate, a HELB clearance or compliance certificate, a CRB clearance certificate, a Certificate of Good Conduct from the DCI, and EACC clearance. This page is your checklist, with a step-by-step guide for each.

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

What is Chapter Six?

Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya, on Leadership and Integrity, sets the standards of conduct for people in public office. It requires honesty, accountability, objectivity and avoiding conflicts of interest. The Leadership and Integrity Act gives it detail.

Public bodies check these standards before appointment. The five clearances are how they confirm that candidates pay their taxes, repay public loans, honour their debts, have no disqualifying criminal record and are not in breach of ethics laws.

The five clearances at a glance

1. KRA Tax Compliance Certificate

Shows that you have filed returns and paid taxes due. Applied for on iTax under Certificates. Not the same as a KRA PIN certificate. Biggest delay: unfiled returns from past years, including nil returns. Read the full TCC guide.

2. HELB clearance or compliance certificate

Shows you have repaid your HELB loan (clearance) or are repaying on schedule (compliance). Applied for on the HELB portal. Biggest delay: arrears or unposted employer deductions. Read the HELB guide.

3. CRB clearance certificate

Shows you are not negatively listed for unpaid loans. Issued by any CBK-licensed bureau. Biggest delay: settling a negative listing and waiting for the lender to update the bureau. Read the CRB guide.

4. Certificate of Good Conduct

Police clearance from the DCI, applied for on eCitizen with fingerprints taken at a designated centre. Biggest delay: processing time, which can take from several days to a few weeks. Apply first. Read the good conduct guide.

5. EACC clearance

Confirms you have no integrity issues barring public appointment. Usually a self-declaration form from the EACC website, or vetting requested by the employer. Read the EACC guide.

When are clearances requested?

It varies:

• At application: some adverts ask you to attach all clearances with your application.
• At shortlisting: others ask shortlisted candidates to bring them to the interview.
• Before appointment: some ask only after you are selected.

Read the advert carefully. If it says clearances are required at application, an application without them may be screened out.

Recommended order

Some clearances take longer, so start them in this order:

1. Certificate of Good Conduct – the longest processing time.
2. KRA TCC – check now; fixing old returns can take time.
3. HELB – sort any arrears early.
4. CRB – check your free report and clear any listing.
5. EACC – usually submitted once you know the specific post.

Other documents often requested

Besides the five clearances, public sector employers often ask for:

• National ID card
• Academic and professional certificates (originals at interview)
• Professional registration and current practising licence
• Testimonials and letters of recommendation
• A completed application form and application letter

Fees and processing times

Fees and timelines change. Always check the current fee on each official portal before paying, and pay only through official channels. Never pay agents who promise to fast-track or "guarantee" clearances.

Ready to apply?

Read our full guide on how to apply for government jobs in Kenya, then browse public sector openings on the KaziMatch jobs board.