In Kenya, the Certificate of Good Conduct, also known as a Police Clearance Certificate, is an essential document for various applications, such as employment, business tenders, and immigration purposes. This certificate is issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and serves as proof that an individual has no criminal record. With the advent of digital services, the process of obtaining this certificate has become more streamlined through the eCitizen portal. Here’s an in-depth guide on how to apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct in Kenya.

Validity of the Certificate

Once issued, the Certificate of Good Conduct remains valid for a period of three months from the date of issue. After this three-month validity period, the certificate expires and is deemed invalid for any applications that may require it. Therefore, it is crucial to apply for a new certificate every three months if you need it for ongoing applications. The application process for renewals is the same as for the initial application.

Applying for the Certificate

To apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct, follow these steps:

1. Create an eCitizen Account:
   • Visit the eCitizen portal (www.ecitizen.go.ke) and create an account using your email address and a password. If you already have an account, simply log in.
2. Access the DCI Services:
   • On the eCitizen dashboard, navigate to the “Directorate of Criminal Investigations” section and click on “Get Service Now.”
3. Fill in the Application Form:
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to fill in your details. You will need to provide personal information, including your national ID number.
4. Make Payment:
   • Pay the required fee of Ksh. 1,050 through M-Pesa or other available payment methods. The portal will generate an invoice and a C24 form, which you will need to download and print.
5. Visit the CID Offices:
   • After completing the online application, visit the nearest CID offices or Huduma Centre with the printed C24 form, payment invoice, and your original ID card. CID personnel will take your fingerprints as part of the application process.
6. Wait for Processing:
   • The processing time for the certificate is typically two weeks to one month. Once ready, you can collect it from the CID offices or have it delivered to a Huduma Centre of your choice.

Renewing the Certificate

The renewal process for the Certificate of Good Conduct is identical to the initial application. You need to follow the same steps on the eCitizen portal, pay the fee, and have your fingerprints taken again. Some institutions may accept a recently expired certificate (up to six months old), but it is best to always use a valid certificate if possible.

Who Cannot Apply Online?

While the eCitizen platform makes the application process efficient, not everyone can use it. The following categories of people are ineligible for online applications:

• Foreign Nationals without a Kenyan ID: They must apply in person.
• Kenyan Citizens without National ID Cards: They are required to visit CID offices.
• Persons without Fingerprints in the National Database: They need to apply physically.
• Individuals with Criminal Records or Pending Court Cases: They are not eligible for the certificate.
• Minors without a National ID: They need to apply through their parent’s or guardian’s eCitizen account.
• Kenyans without an Email Address or Mobile Money Account: These are necessary for online payments.

Such individuals will need to visit the CID offices in person to submit physical applications. The manual process is more time-consuming and involves additional bureaucracy.

Importance of the Certificate

The Certificate of Good Conduct is a crucial document in Kenya. It serves as a testament to an individual’s clean criminal record, making it a prerequisite for several formal applications:

• Employment: Many employers require a police clearance certificate during the hiring process.
• Business Tenders: Company directors must provide the certificate to pre-qualify for tender services.
• Immigration: It is necessary for visa applications and immigration purposes.
• Professional Licenses: Certain professions require the certificate for licensing.

Who Needs a Certificate of Good Conduct in Kenya?

The certificate of good conduct in Kenya is an essential document required by various institutions and organizations from Kenyan citizens. Below is a table highlighting the main scenarios where one will need a valid certificate of good conduct:

Scenario	Description	Examples
Visa Applications	Required for visa applications to other countries.	UK visa, US visa, Schengen visa, Canadian visa, Australian visa, Middle East visas (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia)
Job Applications	Necessary for both public institutions and private companies before hiring new staff.	Teaching jobs (Teachers Service Commission), Banking jobs, Government jobs (civil service, police, military), Office jobs, Private companies (supermarkets, hotels)
Educational Institutions	Required by schools, colleges, and universities before admitting students.	Universities (undergraduate, post-graduate, international students), Colleges (diploma, certificate courses) Secondary schools Driving schools
Court Requirements	May be requested by courts during legal proceedings.	Probation applications Child custody and adoption cases Court bail applications Mitigation in sentencing Legal and justice institution clearances
Business Licensing	Needed for certain business activities.	Firearm certificate Liquor licensing Casino licensing Private security (guards and firms)
Official Registration Bodies	Required by various professional and official registration bodies.	Professional bodies (LSK, ICPAK, ERB, NRB) SACCOS registration NGO Bureau Company registry
Other General Uses	Used for various other applications.	Renewing driving licenses and IDs, Replacement of lost or damaged ID cards and passports, Youth and religious group activities, Public office and political positions, Clergy and missionary clearance certificates, Volunteering and internships, Loan and mortgage application

Offenses that make one ineligible to receive a certificate of good conduct

Examples of these offenses include:

• Violent crimes such as murder, robbery, and rape.
• Drug trafficking.
• Economic crimes like corruption and misappropriation of funds.
• Terrorism and treason.
• Serious fraud, including document forgery.
• Human trafficking and smuggling.
• Escaping lawful custody or prison.
• Being a registered sex offender.

If you have a past conviction for any of these offenses, your application for a certificate of good conduct will not be approved. However, minor infractions like traffic fines and petty crimes might still allow for eligibility, depending on when they occurred. Processing officers will evaluate each case individually to determine qualification.

Applying for a Certificate for Your Child

Parents and guardians can apply for certificates of good conduct on behalf of their children who are minors under 18 years old.The process is similar, but with specific steps:

Eligibility:

• The child must be a Kenyan citizen with a valid ID.
• Fingerprints should have been captured during the child’s ID registration.
• The child should have no criminal record.

Application:

• The parent applies online using the child’s details such as ID and birth information.
• Attach copies of the child’s and parent’s IDs to the online form.
• Make payments using the parent’s mobile money account.
• Attend an appointment to capture the child’s fingerprints.

Downloading:

• The certificate is emailed to the parent once it’s ready.
• Use the certificate for the child’s school admissions or visa applications.

Therefore, minors can obtain the certificate through applications made by their parents or legal guardians.

Applying for Good Conduct Applying from Diaspora

Kenyan citizens living abroad in the diaspora can also apply for certificates of good conduct from Kenya without needing to travel.The process is convenient with these steps:

Eligibility:

• Must be a Kenyan citizen with a national ID.
• Should have no criminal record in Kenya.
• Fingerprints must be in the Kenya national database.

Application:

• Apply online via the eCitizen website, providing your details.
• Pay all fees online using a credit/debit card or international money transfer.
• Schedule a fingerprint appointment and authorize a relative to attend on your behalf.
• Provide a letter and copies of your ID documents to authorize the proxy.

Downloading:

• Check the online portal for approval once the certificate is ready.
• Download the soft copy and request your proxy to courier hard copies.
• Use the certificate for visa or job applications abroad.

This allows Kenyans abroad to obtain this important document without the need for travel, which reduces costs and saves time. Ensure you authorize a trusted relative or friend to act as your proxy for the process.

Call Support

For urgent inquiries or if you are stuck, you can call the eCitizen support. The toll-free number is 0800 721 253.

Ask the agent to check the status of your application and advise you accordingly. They can even escalate urgent cases