The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya has completed phase two of its nationwide rollout of the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS). This phase concentrated on the Central Region and its neighbouring areas, bringing biometric connectivity to 20 additional police clearance certificate application centres. This expansion brings the total number of connected centres to 26 out of 63 nationwide.
The newly connected centres include Kajiado Central, Kajiado West, Machakos, Thika, Kamwangi, Murang'a, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Nanyuki, Laikipia East, Samburu, Kerugoya, Mwea, Embu, Chuka, Marimanti, Maara, Kathwana, Meru, and Isiolo. This development reflects the DCI's objective of moving biometric identification infrastructure beyond the capital and into county-level Huduma Centres, making police clearance certificate services more accessible to Kenyans outside Nairobi.
The MBIS platform enables faster and more accurate identification of individuals during the police clearance certificate application process by relying on biometric data rather than manual records. This reduces the risk of errors and fraud in the clearance system. The DCI stated that the latest phase has extended the system to 20 additional centres, bringing the total number of connected police clearance certificate application centres to 26 out of 63 countrywide.
With phase two now concluded, DCI deployment teams have begun preparations to extend the system to all remaining regions not yet covered. The agency described the rollout as central to its strategic plan for strengthening service delivery, improving operational efficiency, and building a more citizen-focused criminal justice system.
The DCI's effort to modernize police clearance certificate processing is part of a broader strategy to enhance service delivery and efficiency. The expansion of the biometric identification system is expected to improve the accuracy and speed of police clearance certificate issuance.
In related news, the UK government donated operational vehicles to Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations to combat human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and document fraud. The support was provided through the British High Commission under the East Africa Border Security Programme.
The vehicles are expected to help specialized investigators respond faster, disrupt criminal networks, and protect vulnerable victims. This donation follows separate support from the US Drug Enforcement Administration to strengthen Kenya's fight against drug trafficking.
Key points
- The DCI has connected 20 additional police clearance certificate centres to its biometric identification system, bringing the total number of connected centres to 26 out of 63 nationwide.
