Kenyans seeking Police Clearance Certificates, commonly known as certificates of good conduct, can now access faster services in eight additional counties following a major technological upgrade by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The agency has expanded the use of its Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS), a technology designed to speed up the identification and verification of applicants while reducing the time required to process clearance certificates.
The latest expansion covers Turkana, Garissa, Marsabit, Wajir, West Pokot, Kitui, Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia counties.
According to the DCI, members of the public visiting Huduma Centres in these counties are already benefiting from the new system, which has reduced processing times from lengthy waiting periods to less than five minutes.
The agency announced that the technology was transforming the delivery of Police Clearance Certificate services by making the process faster and more convenient for applicants.
“From lengthy waiting periods to processing times of less than five minutes, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations is transforming Police Clearance Certificate services through technology,” the DCI stated.
The biometric system uses applicants’ identifying information to improve verification and identification, helping minimise delays that previously affected the processing of the documents.
The latest rollout is part of the government’s wider digital transformation programme, which seeks to modernise public services through technology and make essential government services more accessible to Kenyans.
The DCI further indicated that the nationwide expansion of the system was still ongoing, suggesting that more counties could benefit as the rollout continues.
Police Clearance Certificates are important documents for Kenyans applying for employment, particularly in institutions that require proof of an applicant’s criminal record status. They are also used in various other official transactions.
With the introduction of the biometric technology in the eight counties, applicants using the affected Huduma Centres can now benefit from significantly shorter processing times.