The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has introduced an online process for Kenyans living abroad to apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct, also known as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). This process, available through the eCitizen platform, allows applicants to initiate their applications online. They must log in or register an account, navigate to the DCI services section, and select the Certificate of Good Conduct application.
To complete the application, individuals are required to fill out the form and upload supporting documents on the eCitizen platform. An application fee of KSh 1,050 is payable via M-Pesa, debit card, or bank transfer. After completing the payment, applicants must download the relevant forms and present themselves at the nearest Kenyan Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate for fingerprint capture.
The fingerprint capture is the sole step that requires a physical presence. Applicants are advised to contact the mission in advance to arrange an appointment, bringing necessary documents such as a national identity card or passport, a passport-size photograph, and proof of payment. Once fingerprints are captured, the diplomatic mission forwards them to Kenya through official diplomatic channels via the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
The DCI's Forensic Fingerprint Identification Bureau then conducts an analysis, after which the certificate is generated and made available through the applicant's eCitizen account. Applications submitted through embassies abroad generally take between four and eight weeks to process, though turnaround times may vary based on the volume of applications at individual missions.
The Certificate of Good Conduct, once issued, remains valid for twelve months. Foreign nationals who previously lived in Kenya may also apply through the same process but must provide additional documentation confirming their former immigration status in the country, such as a work permit or student pass.
One commonly reported challenge among diaspora users involves the OTP verification step on eCitizen, which requires an active Kenyan mobile number. Those who no longer hold a Kenyan number may use a family member's number temporarily or contact eCitizen support to explore alternative verification options.
The DCI has encouraged Kenyans abroad to utilize this online process to obtain their Police Clearance Certificate without having to travel back to Kenya. This move aims to streamline the application process and make it more accessible to Kenyans living outside the country.
Key points
- The application fee for the Certificate of Good Conduct is KSh 1,050.
- The Certificate of Good Conduct is valid for twelve months.
- The processing time for applications ranges from 4 to 8 weeks.
