DCI launches new digital system to fast-track police clearance certificates
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 23, 2026The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS) – ABIS Version 5, a new digital platform expected to speed up the processing of Police Clearance Certificates, commonly known as Certificates of Good Conduct.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen arrived at the DCI headquarters on Thursday, July 23, 2026, where the agency was launching the new system alongside the handover of the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) certificate to the Forensic Evidence Management Unit (FEMU).
Murkomen said the upgrade marks a major step in the government’s police modernisation programme.
“Arrived at the DCI Headquarters to preside over the handover of the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) Certificate to the Forensic Evidence Management Unit (FEMU). We will also launch the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS – ABIS Version 5). This is an important milestone in our police modernisation programme,” Murkomen posted on X.
The new DCI biometric system replaces the traditional fingerprint capture process with a fully digital system designed to improve the speed and accuracy of identity verification.
Under the previous process, applicants seeking Police Clearance Certificates applied through the eCitizen platform before visiting a DCI office or Huduma Centre for fingerprint collection. The fingerprints were captured manually using ink before being processed.
With the MBIS-ABIS Version 5 system, applicants will have their fingerprints captured electronically through biometric machines. The technology will allow the DCI to match applicants’ details with criminal records faster.
Faster good conduct certificates
The DCI earlier said the new platform will reduce delays experienced by Kenyans seeking Certificates of Good Conduct.
“DCI is set to revolutionise how you get your Police Clearance Certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct),” the agency said in a statement.
The agency added that the upgraded platform was developed to provide faster and more reliable services while improving criminal records management.
The new system is expected to allow applicants to receive their Police Clearance Certificates on the same day as the application and fingerprint-taking process.
The Police Clearance Certificate is one of the most sought-after government documents in Kenya. It is required by employers, learning institutions, foreign missions and government agencies as proof that an individual has no criminal record.
Many Kenyans have previously raised concerns over delays in receiving the certificates, with processing often taking between one and four weeks depending on verification timelines.
The DCI said the new system will be rolled out across all 51 Huduma Centres in the country, allowing more applicants to access the service without travelling to DCI headquarters in Nairobi.
The launch is part of the government’s wider push to digitise public services and improve access to official documents through platforms such as eCitizen.
The DCI also said the new biometric identification platform will strengthen the management of criminal records by improving the accuracy of verification and reducing processing challenges.
The launch event at the DCI headquarters was attended by senior security and government officials, including Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli and Head of eCitizen Isaac Ochieng.
The introduction of MBIS-ABIS Version 5 is expected to change the process of obtaining Police Clearance Certificates by making applications faster, more secure and more efficient for Kenyans.