By TWV Team
In a move aimed at enhancing efficiency and accessibility, Kenyan Senators have proposed an automated system for issuing Certificates of Good Conduct across Kenya. If adopted, this initiative will spare thousands of Kenyans the burden of travelling long distances to apply for or renew this essential certificate.
The proposal, tabled in the Senate by Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, urges the National Police Service Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, to develop a technology-driven system that streamlines the application, renewal, and verification of the certificate. Central to the proposed system is the integration of biometric fingerprint recognition to bolster security, accuracy, and processing speed.
“The current manual application system is tedious, time-consuming, and prone to delays and inconsistencies, which may compromise the authenticity and integrity of the certificate,” said Senator Nyutu.
The Certificate of Good Conduct is a crucial requirement for Kenyans seeking employment, pursuing business opportunities, engaging with financial institutions, or applying for international travel. However, many citizens, particularly those in remote areas, face significant challenges in accessing the service due to limited service centres and the need for in-person fingerprinting.
Nyutu called on the government to decentralize the process further by establishing more service points and deploying mobile registration units throughout the counties. He also emphasized the need for targeted public awareness campaigns, especially in rural areas, to ensure that citizens understand the updated application procedures.
In a related development, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) last year scrapped the requirement for applicants to book fingerprinting appointments via the E-Citizen platform. Instead, Kenyans can now walk into their nearest fingerprinting centres, such as Huduma centres, with the necessary documents, including the printed C24 form, payment voucher, and original ID card.
The DCI noted that this change was aimed at easing congestion at its headquarters in Nairobi and expediting the clearance process. “Applicants are encouraged to visit convenient fingerprinting centers,” read a section of the statement issued at the time.
If the Senate’s proposal is implemented, Kenya could soon benefit from a fully digitized clearance certificate system that aligns with global best practices and ensures more equitable access to essential government services.
