The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya has completed the second phase of its nationwide biometric system rollout, expanding Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) application services to 20 more centres. This brings the total number of connected PCC application centres to 26 out of 63 countrywide. The expansion mainly covered the Central Region and neighbouring areas, with new connections established in Kajiado, Machakos, Thika, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Nanyuki, Laikipia, Samburu, Kirinyaga, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Meru and Isiolo.
The rollout of the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS) – ABIS Version 5 is part of efforts to modernise criminal records management and make PCC processing more efficient. The new system uses biometric information to improve identification and support faster handling of PCC applications. The DCI aims to take biometric identification services beyond Nairobi by connecting operational Huduma Centres in different parts of the country.
The 20 centres connected during the second phase include Kajiado Central, Kajiado West-Kisamis, Machakos, Thika, Kamwangi, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nyandarua-Ol Kalou, Nanyuki, Laikipia East-Makutano, Samburu-Maralal, Kerugoya, Mwea, Embu, Chuka, Marimanti, Maara, Kathwana, Meru and Isiolo. Six centres had already been connected in Nairobi during the first phase.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin launched the New Biometric Identification system on July 23, 2026. The DCI said the expansion would bring modernised biometric identification and enhanced PCC processing services closer to citizens across the country.
The second phase of the rollout is part of a wider deployment aimed at using technology to improve public services, strengthen security and modernise the criminal justice system. The DCI said it was committed to harnessing technology to strengthen service delivery, enhance efficiency and security, and advance a more modern, citizen-centred criminal justice system.
With the second phase now complete, deployment teams are preparing to move to the next stage, which will cover the remaining regions and further increase the number of centres linked to the biometric system. The DCI did not provide a timeline for completing the remaining phases but said preparations were already under way to extend MBIS to all remaining regions.
The expansion of biometric identification services is expected to improve the efficiency and security of PCC applications, making it easier for Kenyans to access these services. The DCI’s efforts to modernise criminal records management and improve public services are ongoing, with a focus on using technology to enhance service delivery and security.
Key points
- The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has completed the second phase of its nationwide biometric system rollout, expanding Police Clearance Certificate application services to 20 more centres.
- The rollout aims to modernise criminal records management and make PCC processing more efficient using biometric information.
- The expansion will bring modernised biometric identification and enhanced PCC processing services closer to citizens across the country.
