Certificate of Good Conduct in Kenya

A Certificate of Good Conduct, officially known as a Police Clearance Certificate, is a document issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Kenya. It confirms an applicant’s criminal record status based on records held by the relevant authorities.

This certificate is commonly required when applying for jobs, visas, immigration processes, tenders, professional registrations, school admissions, adoption processes and other official matters where proof of criminal record status is needed.

In some cases, an institution may accept an Affidavit of Good Conduct instead of a Police Clearance Certificate. However, this depends on the specific purpose and the requirements of the requesting institution. It is always advisable to confirm in advance whether a Police Clearance Certificate is mandatory or whether an affidavit will be accepted.

What Is a Certificate of Good Conduct?

A Certificate of Good Conduct is an official clearance document issued after an applicant submits their details and fingerprints for verification. It helps confirm whether or not the applicant has a criminal record.

The certificate is issued through the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and is applied for online through the eCitizen platform.

Who Needs a Certificate of Good Conduct?

You may be required to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct in Kenya for:

Employment applications

Visa and immigration applications

Work permit applications

Tenders and procurement processes

Professional licensing or registration

University or college admission

Volunteer work

Adoption or guardianship processes

Foreign travel or relocation

Any institution requesting proof of criminal record status may ask for this certificate.

How to Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct in Kenya

The application process is done through the eCitizen platform, followed by fingerprint processing at designated offices.

1. Log in to eCitizen

Visit your eCitizen account and log in using your credentials. Once logged in, access the Directorate of Criminal Investigations portal.

2. Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate

Select the option to apply for a Police Clearance Certificate. Fill in the required details carefully and submit the application.

3. Print the required documents

After submitting the application, print two copies of the invoice and one copy of Form C24. Form C24 is the fingerprint form required for processing the application.

4. Present yourself for fingerprint processing

Take the printed invoice copies and Form C24 to the DCI offices or your nearest Huduma Centre that offers fingerprint processing services. Your fingerprints will be taken and submitted for verification.

5. Wait for processing

After fingerprint submission, you should regularly check your eCitizen account for updates. The certificate is usually available on the portal within approximately two to four weeks, depending on processing timelines.

Documents Required for a Certificate of Good Conduct

To apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct in Kenya, you will generally need:

Original national identity card

Copy of the national identity card

For minors, original birth certificate

Copy of the birth certificate for minors

Printed invoice from eCitizen

Printed Form C24 for fingerprint processing

Applicants should ensure that the names and identification details used in the application match the details on their official documents.

Certificate of Good Conduct for Minors

Minors may also be required to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate in certain situations, especially for immigration, travel, school placement or foreign documentation purposes.

For minors, the key document required is the original birth certificate together with a copy. A parent or guardian may need to assist with the application process depending on the circumstances.

Affidavit of Good Conduct

An Affidavit of Good Conduct is a sworn statement in which a person declares that they are of good conduct or that they have not been convicted of a criminal offence.

Some institutions may accept this affidavit instead of a Police Clearance Certificate. However, an affidavit is not always a substitute for the official certificate issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

Before preparing an Affidavit of Good Conduct, confirm with the requesting institution whether it will be accepted for your specific purpose.

Why the Certificate of Good Conduct Is Important

A Certificate of Good Conduct provides official confirmation of a person’s criminal record status. It gives employers, embassies, licensing bodies, schools and other institutions confidence when assessing an applicant’s suitability.

It is especially important where the applicant will be handling sensitive responsibilities, working with children, applying for immigration benefits, joining a regulated profession or participating in official procurement processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Certificate of Good Conduct the same as a Police Clearance Certificate?

Yes. In Kenya, the document commonly called a Certificate of Good Conduct is officially referred to as a Police Clearance Certificate.

Who issues the Certificate of Good Conduct in Kenya?

The certificate is issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

Where do I apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct?

The application is made online through eCitizen under the Directorate of Criminal Investigations portal.

Do I need fingerprints for the application?

Yes. After applying online, you must present yourself at the DCI offices or an approved Huduma Centre for fingerprint processing.

How long does it take to get the Certificate of Good Conduct?

The certificate is commonly available within approximately two to four weeks. Applicants should check their eCitizen account for updates.

Can an Affidavit of Good Conduct replace a Police Clearance Certificate?

It depends on the institution requesting the document. Some institutions accept an Affidavit of Good Conduct, while others insist on the official Police Clearance Certificate. Always confirm before proceeding.

What documents are required for adults?

Adults generally need the original national identity card and a copy, together with the printed eCitizen invoice and Form C24.

What documents are required for minors?

Minors generally need the original birth certificate and a copy. Additional requirements may depend on the purpose of the application.

Need Help Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct?

If you need assistance with applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct, preparing an Affidavit of Good Conduct or confirming which document is suitable for your purpose, we can guide you through the process and help you prepare the required documents correctly.