The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has officially modernized Kenya's Police Clearance Certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct) service by replacing its legacy fingerprint identification system with a new Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS-ABIS Version 5).

The platform, rolled out from 20 July 2026, represents the biggest technological upgrade to Kenya's criminal records and Police Clearance Certificate processing system in years. The objective is to eliminate application backlogs, improve biometric matching accuracy, reduce fraud, and enable same-day issuance for most applicants. (The Star)

What is MBIS-ABIS Version 5?

MBIS (Multi-Biometric Identification System) is a next-generation biometric platform that stores and matches multiple biometric identifiers rather than relying mainly on traditional fingerprint records.

The platform integrates:

• Digital fingerprint scanning (Live Scan)
• Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS)
• Criminal Records Database
• Electronic Police Clearance processing
• Certificate verification system
• eCitizen integration

Unlike the previous platform that depended heavily on ink fingerprint forms, MBIS captures biometric data electronically using specialized scanners. (The Star)

Why DCI Changed the System

The old APFIS (Automated Palm and Fingerprint Identification System) faced several operational challenges:

• Long processing queues
• 10 to 21 day waiting periods
• Manual fingerprint errors
• Smudged fingerprint forms
• Large application backlog
• Limited database capacity
• Heavy paperwork
• Slower biometric matching

The new MBIS platform addresses these issues through automation and digital biometric capture. (The Star)

Major Changes Between the Old and New Systems

Source: DCI and official rollout information. (YouTube)

New Police Clearance Application Process

Step 1: Login

Visit the DCI eCitizen portal through your eCitizen account.

Applicants must:

• Login to eCitizen
• Access DCI Services
• Select Police Clearance Certificate

(DCI eCitizen)

Step 2: Complete Online Application

Provide:

• National ID
• Personal details
• Contact information
• Fingerprinting location
• Payment method

The system validates information before submission.

(Directorate of Criminal Investigations)

Step 3: Pay Online

Applicants pay using supported eCitizen payment options.

After payment:

• Download invoice
• Download C24 form

(Directorate of Criminal Investigations)

Step 4: Visit Fingerprint Centre

Attend your selected location:

• Huduma Centre
• DCI Headquarters
• Approved fingerprint centre
• Kenyan Embassy/High Commission (Diaspora)
• Refugee Affairs Secretariat (where applicable)

Bring:

• Original ID or passport
• Printed invoice
• Printed C24

(Directorate of Criminal Investigations)

Step 5: Live Scan Biometric Capture

Instead of:

❌ Ink

Applicants now simply place fingers on a biometric scanner.

The scanner:

• Captures fingerprints electronically
• Performs quality checks instantly
• Uploads data directly into MBIS

No messy ink or rescanning due to poor print quality.

(The Star)

Step 6: Automated Criminal Record Search

The system automatically searches:

• Criminal Records
• Fingerprint database
• Identity database

Advanced biometric matching significantly reduces false matches and speeds up verification. (Pulse Kenya)

Step 7: Certificate Generation

Once verification is complete:

• Certificate is digitally generated.
• Applicants receive an SMS notification.
• The Police Clearance Certificate can be downloaded from the DCI/eCitizen account.

In many straightforward cases, this can now happen on the same day as biometric capture. (The Star)

Certificate Verification

The upgraded platform allows employers, institutions, and agencies to verify certificates by:

• Using the DCI verification portal.
• Sending DCI to 21546 and dialing *512#, then selecting Police Clearance.

This helps detect forged certificates. (Directorate of Criminal Investigations)

Who Can Apply?

The platform supports:

• Kenyan citizens
• Foreign residents
• Visitors who meet eligibility requirements
• Refugees
• Kenyans in the diaspora
• Eligible minors aged 16 to 17 years through a parent or guardian's eCitizen account

(Directorate of Criminal Investigations)

Benefits of the New Platform

For applicants:

• Faster processing
• Less paperwork
• Digital fingerprint capture
• Reduced repeat visits
• Improved convenience
• SMS notifications
• Online certificate download

For employers:

• Faster recruitment
• Easier certificate verification
• Reduced fraud

For government:

• Better criminal record management
• Larger biometric database
• Faster investigations
• Improved national security through more reliable identity matching

(The Star)

Frequently Asked Questions

Has the application fee changed?

The official DCI guidance continues to direct applicants through the eCitizen payment workflow. Any applicable fee is displayed during the application process. (Directorate of Criminal Investigations)

Do I still need the C24 form?

Yes. After completing the online application, applicants download and print the C24 form and invoice before attending fingerprint capture. (Directorate of Criminal Investigations)

Can I apply from outside Kenya?

Yes. Kenyans and eligible former residents abroad can complete the process through Kenyan embassies or high commissions, following DCI's overseas application requirements. (Directorate of Criminal Investigations)

Is the certificate now digital?

Yes. Once approved, applicants are notified and can download the certificate from their DCI/eCitizen account. (Directorate of Criminal Investigations)

The rollout of MBIS-ABIS Version 5 marks a significant modernization of Kenya's Police Clearance Certificate service. By replacing ink-based fingerprinting with digital live scanning, expanding biometric database capacity from approximately 2 million to 10 million records, and enabling same-day processing for many applicants, the DCI has streamlined one of Kenya's most frequently requested public services while strengthening identity verification and certificate security. (The Star)