DCI to Roll Out New Biometric System for Faster Police Clearance Certificates Starting July 20, 2026

By Fareed Mohammed

Kenyans applying for Police Clearance Certificates will soon experience significantly shorter wait times after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced a major upgrade to its service delivery platform.

Starting Monday, July 20, 2026, the DCI will launch the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS)-ABIS Version 5, a new technology designed to fast-track the processing of Certificates of Good Conduct.

In a public notice, the DCI described the upgrade as a “game-changing platform built to fast-track processing and deliver faster, smarter service.”

“No more long waits. Better technology. Better experience,” the agency stated, adding that more details on the official launch would be released soon.

The Police Clearance Certificate, commonly known as the Certificate of Good Conduct, is a mandatory document for job seekers, students applying to study abroad and professionals seeking licensing. For years, applicants have complained about long processing delays, with some applications taking weeks to complete.

Under the new MBIS-ABIS Version 5 platform, the DCI says the system will use advanced multi-biometric technology to verify identities more accurately and process applications in record time. ABIS, or Automated Biometric Identification System, matches fingerprints, facial data and other biometric markers against national and international databases.

“This is part of our broader digital transformation agenda to make public services more efficient, transparent and citizen-centred,” a senior DCI official said. “With MBIS Version 5, we are cutting bureaucracy and leveraging technology to serve Kenyans better.”

The rollout comes as the government pushes to digitize key public services under its Digital Transformation agenda. The DCI noted that the new system will also enhance security by reducing cases of identity fraud and duplicate applications.

Applicants will still be required to book appointments and submit applications through the existing eCitizen and DCI portals, but backend processing is expected to be much faster once the new system goes live.

The DCI urged Kenyans to “stay tuned for the official launch” as the agency finalizes staff training and system testing ahead of the July 20 rollout.

The Certificate of Good Conduct is one of the most sought-after government documents in Kenya, with thousands of applications submitted every month. The DCI says the new biometric system will position the agency to handle higher application volumes without compromising accuracy.