A Certificate of Good Conduct, commonly referred to as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), is an official document used to show the outcome of a criminal-record check in Kenya.
It is commonly requested when applying for employment, immigration documents, visas, professional opportunities, education programmes and other situations where an organisation needs to verify an applicant’s background.
The application process has moved online through Kenya’s eCitizen platform, reducing the amount of paperwork applicants need to complete at the beginning of the process. However, applicants still need to provide fingerprints at an authorised location because the fingerprint information is used for the criminal-record search.
This guide explains how the process works, what you need before applying, how much it costs, where fingerprinting takes place, what can cause delays and what Kenyan applicants should check before submitting their application.
What Is a Certificate of Good Conduct?
A Certificate of Good Conduct is issued following a background check by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The document is commonly used by organisations that need evidence relating to an individual’s criminal-record status.
It may be requested for:
- Employment
- Government and public-sector jobs
- Immigration applications
- Visa applications
- Work permits
- University or college applications
- Professional licensing
- Volunteer programmes
- Security-sensitive positions
- International travel or employment
The exact requirements depend on the organisation requesting the certificate.
Is a Certificate of Good Conduct the same as a Police Clearance Certificate?
In Kenya, the terms Certificate of Good Conduct and Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) are commonly used to refer to the same type of criminal-record clearance document.
However, applicants should always confirm exactly which document an employer, embassy, university or other institution is requesting.
Who Can Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct?
Eligibility depends on the applicant’s circumstances.
Kenyan adults can apply using the identification details associated with their official records.
Foreign nationals who have lived in Kenya may also be eligible to obtain police clearance from Kenya, although additional requirements can apply depending on their immigration status and circumstances.
If the certificate is being requested by an overseas organisation, check whether it has additional requirements concerning the format, date of issue or authentication of the document.
Certificate of Good Conduct Requirements in Kenya
Before starting the application, prepare the information and documents you are likely to need.
For a Kenyan applicant, this generally includes:
- Valid Kenyan National ID
- Active eCitizen account
- Mobile phone number
- Email address
- Money for the application fee
- Access to a printer
- Ability to visit an authorised fingerprinting location
You should also make sure that the personal information you enter online matches your identification documents.
Why accurate information matters
A spelling mistake, incorrect identification number or other mismatch can create problems during verification.
Before submitting the application, carefully check:
- Your full name
- National ID number
- Date of birth
- Other personal details
- Contact information
- Selected fingerprinting location
How to Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct Online
The application begins on the eCitizen platform.
Step 1: Log in to eCitizen
Open your eCitizen account and sign in using your registered credentials.
If you do not have an account, you will need to create one before accessing the relevant government service.
Avoid using third-party websites that claim to process the certificate for you unless you have independently verified that they are authorised service providers.
Step 2: Find the DCI Service
After logging in, locate the services provided by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
Select the service relating to the Police Clearance Certificate/Certificate of Good Conduct.
The wording and layout of government portals can change, so follow the options currently displayed on eCitizen rather than relying entirely on screenshots from older guides.
Step 3: Enter Your Information
Complete the application form using your official personal information.
Take your time at this stage.
The information submitted online should correspond with your identification documents and official records.
Review the application before proceeding to payment.
Step 4: Pay the Required Fee
The application fee displayed by the government service should be paid through the payment options provided on eCitizen.
The commonly stated fee for the Certificate of Good Conduct is KSh 1,050, but applicants should confirm the amount shown on the eCitizen payment page before making payment because government fees and service charges can change.
Keep your payment confirmation for your records.
Step 5: Download the Required Forms
After completing payment, the system will provide the documents required for the next stage of the process.
The fingerprint documentation is particularly important because you will need it when you attend the fingerprinting appointment or service centre.
Print the documents according to the instructions provided by eCitizen.
Fingerprinting: What Happens After Applying Online?
Completing the online application does not normally mean the entire process is finished.
The applicant must provide fingerprints so that DCI can conduct the relevant criminal-record search.
When attending the fingerprinting centre, carry:
- Original National ID
- Printed fingerprint form
- Payment documentation
- Any other documents specifically requested by the service
Why are fingerprints required?
Fingerprints provide a more reliable way of matching an applicant against criminal-record information than relying only on names.
This is particularly important because different people can have similar names.
Where Can You Get Fingerprinted?
Fingerprint collection is available through designated government facilities.
Depending on the current DCI arrangements, applicants may be directed to locations such as:
- Huduma Centres
- DCI offices
- Regional or county DCI offices
- Other officially designated fingerprinting centres
The available locations can change, so use the location options provided during the application process and confirm the requirements before travelling.
Important tip
Do not assume that every Huduma Centre or police station provides fingerprint services for Certificate of Good Conduct applications.
Confirm that the specific location you plan to visit is authorised to provide the service.
What Should You Carry for Fingerprinting?
Before leaving home, check that you have everything required.
A practical checklist is:
☐ Original National ID
☐ Printed fingerprint form
☐ Payment confirmation/invoice
☐ Any additional documents requested by DCI
☐ Your eCitizen application information
It is also sensible to keep electronic copies of your application and payment confirmation.
What Happens After Fingerprints Are Taken?
Once your fingerprints have been captured, the information is used for the required criminal-record checks.
The application then goes through processing and verification.
Applicants should monitor their eCitizen account and the contact information associated with the application for updates.
Once the certificate is available, follow the instructions provided by the government portal to access or download it.
How Long Does a Certificate of Good Conduct Take?
Processing times can vary.
Some applicants may receive their certificate relatively quickly, while others may experience delays because of application volumes, verification issues, technical problems or other administrative factors.
Rather than treating a particular number of days as a guarantee, applicants should check the current status through eCitizen.
If you need the certificate for a deadline
Do not wait until the last minute.
If an employer, embassy, university or immigration authority has given you a deadline, start the application as early as possible.
This gives you time to deal with problems such as:
- Incorrect information
- Fingerprint issues
- Missing documents
- Payment problems
- System delays
- Additional verification
How Much Does a Certificate of Good Conduct Cost in Kenya?
The government application fee is commonly listed as:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Good Conduct | KSh 1,050 |
The final amount shown on the official eCitizen payment page should be treated as the authoritative figure.
You may also incur additional personal expenses such as:
- Transport
- Printing
- Internet/data costs
- Other document-related expenses
How Long Is a Certificate of Good Conduct Valid?
There is an important distinction between legal validity and what an organisation is willing to accept.
A certificate may not necessarily have a universal expiry date that applies to every situation. However, an employer, embassy, university or immigration authority may require a certificate issued within a particular period.
For example, an organisation might request a recently issued certificate even if the document itself does not display a standard expiry date.
What should you do?
Ask the organisation requesting the certificate:
“How recent must the Certificate of Good Conduct be?”
This is safer than assuming that a certificate will automatically be accepted for a particular number of months.
Why Your Application May Take Longer
Delays do not necessarily mean that something is wrong with your application.
Possible causes include:
1. Incorrect personal information
Information entered online that does not match official records can require additional verification.
2. Fingerprint problems
Poor-quality fingerprint impressions can make identification more difficult.
3. High application volumes
Large numbers of applications can affect processing times.
4. Technical problems
Government online services can occasionally experience interruptions or maintenance.
5. Additional verification
Some applications may require further checks before a certificate can be issued.
What If You Made a Mistake on the Application?
Do not create a second application immediately without checking what correction options are available.
First review the application status and instructions provided through eCitizen.
If the mistake affects important information such as your name or identification details, seek guidance through the official government support channels or DCI rather than attempting to work around the problem yourself.
How to Avoid Certificate of Good Conduct Scams
Because the certificate is required for jobs, travel and other important purposes, applicants may encounter people offering to “speed up” applications.
Be cautious of anyone who:
- Guarantees approval
- Claims to have special access to DCI systems
- Requests payment outside the official process
- Asks for your eCitizen password
- Requests unnecessary personal information
- Offers a certificate without fingerprinting
Never share your eCitizen password
Government accounts contain sensitive personal information.
You should complete your own application whenever possible and keep your login credentials private.
Can Someone Else Apply for You?
The online portion of the application can be completed through your own eCitizen account, but fingerprint capture requires the applicant’s biometric information.
This means you should expect to personally attend the required fingerprinting process unless the authorities have provided a specific alternative for your circumstances.
Can I Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct Online?
Yes, the application process is initiated through eCitizen.
However, applicants should understand the difference between online application and fully online processing.
The online system handles the application and payment stages, while fingerprint capture remains an important part of the verification process.
Can Foreigners Get a Kenyan Police Clearance Certificate?
Foreign nationals who meet the applicable requirements may be able to obtain police clearance in Kenya.
The documentation and procedure can differ from that of Kenyan citizens.
If you are a foreign national applying because an embassy, employer or immigration authority has requested Kenyan police clearance, confirm the specific requirements before beginning the application.
What If I Need the Certificate for a Visa?
Visa and immigration authorities can have very specific requirements.
Before applying, check whether the organisation requires:
- A recently issued certificate
- An original document
- A digital copy
- A certified copy
- Authentication or legalisation
- A particular format
- Police clearance from Kenya and/or another country
Getting the wrong version of a document can cause unnecessary delays.
Certificate of Good Conduct vs Other Documents
It is important not to confuse a Certificate of Good Conduct with other government documents.
A Certificate of Good Conduct primarily relates to criminal-record clearance.
It is not the same as:
- A National ID
- A passport
- A birth certificate
- A certificate of citizenship
- A work permit
- An immigration status document
If an institution asks for a Police Clearance Certificate, confirm that the Certificate of Good Conduct is the document it requires.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Application
Follow these steps to reduce avoidable problems:
Apply early
If the certificate is needed for a job, visa or university application, do not wait until the deadline is close.
Check your information twice
Make sure your name and identification information are accurate.
Keep your payment records
Save the payment confirmation until the certificate has been issued.
Print documents correctly
Follow the printing instructions provided by the official application system.
Confirm the fingerprinting location
Make sure the location you intend to visit provides the required service.
Keep your eCitizen account secure
Never give your password to someone claiming they can process the application faster.
Check the organisation’s requirements
If the certificate is for an embassy, employer or university, find out how recent it must be and whether additional authentication is required.
Certificate of Good Conduct Kenya: Quick Checklist
Before you start:
1. Have an active eCitizen account.
2. Have your original identification document.
3. Confirm the current application fee.
4. Complete the online application carefully.
5. Save your payment confirmation.
6. Print the required fingerprint documents.
7. Visit an authorised fingerprinting location.
8. Monitor your eCitizen account for updates.
9. Download the certificate once it becomes available.
10. Check that the organisation receiving the certificate accepts its date and format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct without eCitizen?
The current application process is handled through eCitizen, so applicants should use the official government platform rather than third-party websites.
Do I have to provide fingerprints?
Yes. Fingerprinting is an important part of the police-clearance process because it allows the authorities to conduct the required identification and criminal-record checks.
How much is a Certificate of Good Conduct in Kenya?
The commonly listed application fee is KSh 1,050. Confirm the amount displayed on eCitizen before payment.
Can I apply from outside Kenya?
The procedure for applicants outside Kenya can differ depending on citizenship and circumstances. If you are overseas, check the current DCI and Kenyan diplomatic-mission guidance before applying.
Can I download my certificate?
Once the certificate has been issued through the relevant digital government service, follow the instructions in your eCitizen account to access the available document.
What should I do if my application is delayed?
First check the application status and notifications on eCitizen. If the delay continues or the system indicates a problem, use the official support channels rather than paying an unofficial agent to intervene.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct in Kenya is now largely initiated online, making the process more convenient than a completely paper-based application.
However, applicants should remember that online application does not eliminate the fingerprinting requirement. The most important steps are completing your information accurately, paying through the official platform, printing the required documents, attending fingerprint capture at an authorised location and monitoring your application afterwards.
For anyone applying for a job, visa, university admission or other official purpose, the safest approach is to start early and confirm the receiving organisation’s requirements before submitting the application.
Most importantly, use the official eCitizen and DCI channels, keep your account credentials private and be cautious of individuals who promise faster processing or guaranteed certificates in exchange for unofficial payments.
The Certificate
