The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has announced the rollout of an upgraded biometric identification system aimed at improving the processing of Police Clearance Certificates, commonly known as Certificates of Good Conduct.

The new Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS)–ABIS Version 5 is expected to strengthen the DCI’s capacity to conduct biometric identification and criminal record checks, a key part of the process before a Police Clearance Certificate is issued.

According to the DCI, the upgraded technology is intended to make biometric searches and identity verification more efficient, potentially addressing delays that applicants have experienced while waiting for their certificates.

The system is set to become operational on Monday, July 20, 2026, marking a significant technological upgrade to the infrastructure used in processing applications. The DCI said the system will help “fast-track the processing of Police Clearance Certificates,” as the agency moves to improve the efficiency of its biometric identification services.

Police Clearance Certificates are widely required in Kenya for employment, immigration, visa applications and other official purposes. Before a certificate is issued, an applicant’s fingerprints are checked against records held by the DCI. Under the existing process, Kenyan citizens and eligible non-citizens in the country apply through the government’s eCitizen platform before presenting themselves for fingerprint capture.

The DCI states on its official service portal that fingerprints can be taken at Huduma Centres countrywide, DCI Headquarters and other designated locations. Applicants in the diaspora can have their fingerprints processed through Kenyan embassies or high commissions, depending on the applicable requirements.

“Use the link dci.ecitizen.go.ke for both citizens and non-citizens (foreign residents) who are currently in Kenya, to make an application,” the DCI states in its official guidance on Police Clearance Certificate applications.

The introduction of the upgraded biometric system is expected to improve the speed at which fingerprints can be searched and matched against existing records. However, applicants will still be required to follow the official application and fingerprint-capture procedures unless the DCI announces further changes.

The agency has not indicated that the upgrade changes the basic eligibility requirements for obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate. Its main focus is on improving the technology used in the verification and processing stage.

The rollout is particularly significant because Police Clearance Certificates are often required by employers and other institutions as part of background checks. Delays in processing can therefore affect job applications and other time-sensitive administrative procedures.

Applicants are advised to use official government channels when applying and to follow updates from the DCI as the new system becomes operational. The DCI also provides an online facility for authenticating Police Clearance Certificates, allowing institutions and other parties to verify whether a certificate is genuine.