The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is set to modernize the issuance of Certificates of Good Conduct with the launch of a new biometric identification platform designed to reduce processing delays and improve service delivery for thousands of applicants across the country.
In an announcement made on Wednesday, July 15, the agency said the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS)-ABIS Version 5 will officially go live on Monday, July 20, 2026, marking a major upgrade in the way police clearance certificates are processed.
The new platform is expected to replace the current system with faster and more efficient biometric technology capable of improving the speed and accuracy of applicant verification.
New technology targets faster service delivery
According to the DCI, the upgraded system is part of ongoing efforts to digitize public services and eliminate delays that have traditionally affected applicants seeking Certificates of Good Conduct.
The agency described the platform as a significant technological advancement that will transform the processing of police clearance certificates by reducing turnaround times and improving customer experience.
“DCI is set to revolutionize how you get your Police Clearance Certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct). Starting Monday, July 20, 2026, we roll out the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS)-ABIS Version 5 — a game-changing platform built to fast-track processing and deliver faster, smarter service,” the agency said.
While confirming the rollout date, the DCI indicated that a comprehensive demonstration of the platform and its capabilities will be conducted during the official launch next week.
The agency also hinted that the new technology will significantly reduce waiting periods that have long frustrated applicants.
How the application process works
A Certificate of Good Conduct remains one of Kenya’s most essential government documents, particularly for individuals seeking employment, higher education opportunities, government appointments, travel visas and immigration services.
To obtain the certificate, applicants are required to submit their applications through the eCitizen platform and pay the prescribed KSh1,050 processing fee.
After completing the online application, they must visit a Huduma Centre or a designated DCI office for fingerprint capture, which forms part of the background verification process.
Once the application has been processed, successful applicants receive a notification via SMS informing them that the certificate is ready for download through the eCitizen portal.
Under the existing system, applicants often wait at least two weeks before receiving their police clearance certificates, although processing times may vary depending on demand.
The DCI expects the new biometric platform to shorten these timelines by improving the efficiency of fingerprint matching and identity verification.
Part of wider digital transformation
The rollout of the upgraded biometric system comes as the government continues to accelerate the digitization of public services aimed at reducing paperwork, improving efficiency and increasing access to essential documents.
Only weeks ago, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that Kenyans can now download and print birth certificates online without visiting government offices.
The Cabinet Secretary said the initiative followed concerns raised during the Jukwaa la Usalama public forums, where members of the public called for faster and more accessible government services.
According to Murkomen, the online birth certificate service is intended to reduce delays while making civil registration services more convenient for citizens.
The introduction of the new biometric clearance system reflects the government’s broader strategy of leveraging technology to modernize public administration and improve service delivery.
With thousands of Kenyans applying for Certificates of Good Conduct every year, the DCI expects the upgraded platform to enhance efficiency, reduce waiting times and offer applicants a faster, more reliable and seamless experience when accessing one of the country’s most frequently requested government documents.
