How to Apply for a Good Conduct Certificate

A Certificate of Good Conduct, also known as a Police Clearance Certificate, is a document issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya, attesting that an individual has no criminal record.

This certificate is often required for employment and other official purposes.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for one:

Eligibility

Kenyan citizens, foreigners living in Kenya, and refugees can apply.
Minors can apply with a parent or guardian providing assistance.

Sample Good Conduct Certificate

Good Conduct Application Process

Step 1: Create an eCitizen Account ›

Visit ecitizen.go.ke. Provide your ID/passport number, email, and choose a password. Verify your account via email and SMS.

Step 2: Log in and Select Service ›

After logging in, go to the Department of Criminal Investigations tab. Click on Apply for Certificate of Good Conduct.

Step 3: Fill the Application Form ›

Specify whether you are applying for your own certificate or your child’s. Provide:

Fingerprint Location: nearest DCI location
Fingerprint Area: your region/residence

Step 4: Make Payment ›

Pay KES 1,050 via M-Pesa, credit card, or other eCitizen methods. Keep the payment receipt.

Step 5: Fingerprinting ›

Go to the selected fingerprinting center. Present yourself for fingerprinting as part of the process.

Step 6: Submit Documents ›

Carry your ID, the C24 form, and payment receipts to the fingerprinting center to complete your application.

Document Preparation

Adults: Carry your original and photocopy of your National ID.
Minors: Original and photocopy of the birth certificate, accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Download and Print:
- Print two copies of your payment invoice and one copy of the C24 form (fingerprint form) from eCitizen on both sides of A4 paper.

Processing

Processing Time: With the new system, processing is expedited, and you can receive your certificate in one week. However, traditionally, this could take between 2 days to 4 weeks.
Notifications: You’ll receive SMS notifications once your good conduct certificate is ready to print. Check your spam folder if you don’t see any alerts.

Download Your Certificate:

Once processed, log back into eCitizen, navigate to the “Download Certificate of Good Conduct” section, and download your certificate as a PDF.

Verification and Validity

Authenticity Check: You can verify a good conduct’s authenticity by using DCI’s output verification tool here https://dci.ecitizen.go.ke/verify
Renewal: The certificate is valid for one year, after which you must reapply for renewal.
Availability: A Good Conduct is available for download from the DCI portal for a period of 6 months after which its no longer available for download, so download and back up a copy.