A certificate of good conduct, officially the Police Clearance Certificate, shows whether you have a criminal record in Kenya. Employers, universities, embassies and the Teachers Service Commission often ask for one. It's issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) through eCitizen.
Step 1: Apply and pay on eCitizen
- Log in to your account at eCitizen. If you don't have one, sign up with your ID number, phone number and email address.
- Find the Directorate of Criminal Investigations service and choose Police Clearance Certificate.
- Fill in the form. Check that your name and ID number match your ID card exactly.
- Pay the fee shown with M-PESA or a card. eCitizen gives you an invoice. Download and print it.
Step 2: Have your fingerprints taken
The DCI needs your fingerprints. Take your printed invoice and your original ID to a place that takes fingerprints for the certificate, such as the DCI headquarters on Kiambu Road in Nairobi or a Huduma Centre that offers the service. eCitizen shows the current list of places when you apply.
Tip: Go early in the day and carry a copy of your ID as well. Ask the officer whether your fingerprints were captured digitally or on a paper form, and how long processing will take.
Step 3: Download the certificate
When the certificate is ready, log in to eCitizen and open your applications. Download the certificate as a PDF and print it. Employers can check it is genuine using the details on the certificate.
Good to know
- How long it's valid: many employers and institutions only accept a certificate issued in the last 6 to 12 months. Check what yours needs.
- Applying from abroad: Kenyans abroad can apply on eCitizen too, and send fingerprints taken by local police on the right form. Check the DCI's instructions first.
- If you have a record: the certificate will show it. Get advice before applying for jobs that require a clean record.