Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct could soon become much faster after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) unveiled a new biometric platform that is expected to cut processing time and improve the delivery of one of the country's most sought-after government services.
The agency announced on Wednesday that it will launch the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS)-ABIS Version 5 on Monday, July 20, 2026, saying the upgraded technology will make the processing of Police Clearance Certificates quicker, more efficient and more reliable.
The DCI said the new system is part of its plan to improve criminal records management while making it easier for Kenyans to access services without the long waiting periods that have previously affected the issuance of the certificates.
"DCI is set to revolutionise how you get your Police Clearance Certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct)," the agency said in a statement.
It said the upgraded platform has been built to improve service delivery by speeding up application processing and giving applicants a better overall experience.
"Starting Monday, July 20, 2026, we roll out the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS)-ABIS Version 5, a game-changing platform built to fast-track processing and deliver faster, smarter service," the statement said.
The agency added that the technology will help reduce delays that applicants have experienced over the years.
"No more long waits. Better technology. Better experience," the DCI said.
Certificates of Good Conduct are among the government documents most frequently requested by Kenyans. They are required for employment, recruitment into government institutions, admission to some learning institutions, visa applications, foreign missions and other official processes where proof of a clean criminal record is needed.
Although the system is expected to improve processing, the DCI said it will provide more information during the official launch, including whether there will be any changes to the application process or the fees charged.
The announcement comes as Parliament considers changes to the law that could further simplify the process of obtaining the certificate.
Kanduyi MP John Makali has sponsored a Bill seeking to end the requirement for applicants to submit fresh fingerprints every time they apply for or renew a Certificate of Good Conduct.
Appearing before a House committee on April 23, 2026, Makali said the proposal is intended to improve efficiency by allowing applicants whose biometric details have already been captured to complete future applications online without visiting DCI offices.
"The primary objective is to ensure that once an applicant’s biometrics are captured, subsequent applications can be processed online without the need for physical appearance," he said.
Makali told the committee that the DCI currently processes about one million Certificates of Good Conduct every year, putting pressure on the existing system and contributing to delays.
If approved, the proposed law will require the DCI to establish and maintain a secure biometric database that allows fingerprints and other biometric information already on record to be used for future applications.
The rollout of the new biometric platform is part of the government's wider efforts to improve public service delivery through technology.
The DCI urged Kenyans to wait for further communication, saying additional information on the implementation of the new system will be released ahead of the official launch.