Kenyans applying for Certificates of Good Conduct will from Monday receive the document within a day following the rollout of a new biometric identification system by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The agency announced that it will officially launch the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS)- ABIS Version 5 (MBIS-ABIS V5) on July 20, 2026, replacing the Automated Palm and Fingerprint Identification System that has been used for years.
The upgrade is expected to reduce the processing time for Police Clearance Certificates from the current 14 days to just one day.
Describing the new platform as a major technological advancement, the DCI said: “This is a game-changing platform built to fast-track processing and deliver faster, smarter service.”
Beyond accelerating the issuance of Certificates of Good Conduct, the agency said the system will improve identity verification and strengthen criminal investigations through enhanced biometric matching, reduced duplication of records, and improved forensic capabilities for identifying suspects.
The DCI said the upgraded platform is designed to provide a more efficient and accurate service while supporting detectives with modern investigative technology.
The launch forms part of the government’s wider digital transformation programme aimed at improving public service delivery through technology. By modernising the issuance of Certificates of Good Conduct, the new biometric platform is expected to strengthen the country’s digital identity ecosystem and enable government agencies to verify identities more quickly, securely, and accurately.
Although the DCI has not announced any changes to application fees or the application process, it said further details on the rollout will be provided during the official launch.
The faster processing time is expected to benefit thousands of Kenyans who require Certificates of Good Conduct each year for employment, education, immigration, and other official purposes, while also enhancing the efficiency of police services through the adoption of advanced biometric technology.
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