Certificate of Good Conduct Kenya: Complete Guide (eCitizen, C24 Form, Delays & Diaspora)
Certificate of Good Conduct Kenya: whether you’re heading to Saudi Arabia, the UK, or just applying for your first job as a fresh campus graduate, this is the only guide you need. We cover everything: requirements, the eCitizen steps, the C24 form, what to do when it’s taking too long, and how to apply from abroad.
1. What Is a Certificate of Good Conduct?
A Certificate of Good Conduct: officially called a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): is a document issued by Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirming that you have no criminal record in Kenya.
The certificate is based on your fingerprint records that are compared against the DCI’s national criminal database. If nothing comes up against your name and prints, you get a clean certificate.
Quick facts in 2026:
Issued by: DCI (Directorate of Criminal Investigations) via eCitizen at dci.ecitizen.go.ke
Cost: Ksh 1,050 (Ksh 1,000 + Ksh 50 convenience fee)
Processing time: Usually 2 to 6 weeks after fingerprinting
Valid for: Typically 1 year from date of issue (check with the requesting institution)
In the past, people used to call it the “DCI certificate” or just “good conduct.” The official name changed to Police Clearance Certificate to align with international standards: but most Kenyans and most institutions still call it the Certificate of Good Conduct. Don’t be confused if you see both names.
2. Who Needs It and Why
Let’s be honest about who is actually looking for this certificate, because the needs are very different and so is the urgency.
Going to the Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait
This is, by a wide margin, the biggest group applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct in Kenya right now. If you’re heading to Saudi Arabia as a domestic worker, a driver, a construction worker, or any other kind of hired help, your employer or recruitment agency will almost certainly require this document as part of your work visa or work permit application.
The Saudi Arabian authorities take this seriously. Your clearance certificate must be recent: many agencies insist on one issued within the last 3 to 6 months: and it sometimes has to be apostilled or authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Don’t apply too early and don’t wait too long. Apply the moment you know you’re going.
“I applied in January, got fingerprinted at Huduma Westlands, and received my certificate in early March. It was accepted in Saudi without any problem.”: A reader from Nairobi
Going to Europe or North America
If you are applying for a UK visa, a Schengen visa, Canadian PR, or a work permit for any European or North American country, you will almost certainly be asked for a police clearance certificate from Kenya: especially if you have lived here for more than 6 months in the past 10 years.
European immigration authorities are generally very specific about format and authentication. Always confirm with the embassy whether they need original, apostilled, or just a plain copy.
Local Job Seekers: Campus Grads, Security, Boda Boda
Fresh graduates applying for government jobs, teachers applying to TSC, bank employees, NGO workers, security guards, and even some boda boda saccos now require a certificate of good conduct. If a job advert says “must be of good character,” they almost always mean this certificate.
If you’re not comfortable doing the eCitizen process yourself, you can visit any cyber cafe near a Huduma Centre or DCI office. Many cyber operators around these areas know the process well and charge between Ksh 200 to 500 to help you. Or you can use our service below for just Ksh 200.
Applying for a Kenyan Passport
Some Kenyan passport applications: especially first-time adult applicants or those who have had legal issues: may be asked to provide a certificate of good conduct. It’s also commonly requested when adding a child to a parent’s passport or applying for a diplomatic passport.
3. Requirements for Certificate of Good Conduct Kenya
The requirements are straightforward, but miss one thing and you’ll waste a trip to the DCI office. Here’s exactly what you need:
For Kenyan Citizens (Applying Within Kenya)
- An active eCitizen account: register at dci.ecitizen.go.ke if you don’t have one
- Your 2nd generation National ID card (original + photocopy): note: passports are NOT accepted at the DCI fingerprinting stage
- Application fee of Ksh 1,050: paid online via M-Pesa, debit or credit card
- Your printed C24 Form (downloaded from eCitizen after payment): printed on both sides of ONE A4 sheet
- Two printed copies of your payment invoice
For Minors (Under 18)
- Original and copy of the minor’s Birth Certificate
- The child must be physically present for fingerprinting
- Application is done through the parent’s or guardian’s eCitizen account
- Fee: Ksh 1,050 (same as adults)
For Foreign Citizens Who Lived in Kenya
- Certified copy of passport with proof of residing in Kenya for 3+ months
- Fingerprints taken at an authorized station (DCI HQ for Nairobi, Divisional DCI offices elsewhere)
- Payment of Ksh 1,000 plus convenience fee
- Application forwarded to DCI HQ with a covering letter from the relevant authority
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| National ID (2nd Gen) | ✅ Yes | Original + photocopy. Passport not accepted. |
| eCitizen Account | ✅ Yes | Must be registered in your own name |
| C24 Form (printed) | ✅ Yes | Print double-sided on one A4 sheet |
| Payment Invoice (x2) | ✅ Yes | Printed from eCitizen after payment |
| Ksh 1,050 Payment | ✅ Yes | Online: M-Pesa, card, etc. |
| Passport Photo | ❌ No | Not required as of 2026 |
| Police Abstract | ❌ No | Only needed if replacing a lost certificate |
4. How to Apply Online: Step by Step (eCitizen)
The entire application is done at dci.ecitizen.go.ke. Here is exactly what to do:
eCitizen Application: Step by Step
Go to dci.ecitizen.go.ke and log in. If you don’t have an account, register first using your National ID number, full name, and a working email or phone number.
On the eCitizen dashboard, find the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) section. Click on it and select “Police Clearance Certificate”: this is the Certificate of Good Conduct.
Enter your full name as it appears on your ID, ID number, date of birth, county, and other requested details. Double-check everything: errors at this stage cause problems later.
Select the DCI station most convenient for you. Options include DCI Headquarters (Kiambu Road, Nairobi), Huduma Centres, and Divisional DCI offices around the country. You’ll go to this station physically for fingerprinting.
Pay Ksh 1,050 via M-Pesa (Paybill), debit card, or credit card. Keep the payment confirmation: you’ll need it.
After payment, download and print: (a) the C24 Form: print on both sides of a single A4 sheet, and (b) two copies of the payment invoice.
Carry your original National ID, the printed C24 form, and both invoice copies. Your fingerprints (and palm prints) will be recorded on the C24 form by a DCI officer.
Once fingerprinted, the application goes to DCI HQ for processing. You’ll receive a notification via eCitizen (and sometimes SMS) when your certificate is ready to download.
5. The C24 Form: What It Is and What to Do With It
A lot of people get confused about the C24 form. Let’s make it simple.
The C24 form is the fingerprint form. After you pay on eCitizen, you download it as part of your application documents. It has your personal details pre-filled. You take it to the DCI office, and the officer uses it to record your fingerprints and palm prints.
It must be printed on both sides of a single A4 sheet of paper: not on two separate sheets. If your printer only prints one side, take the PDF to a cyber cafe and ask them to print it double-sided. The DCI officer may reject your form if it’s not printed correctly.
The C24 form is also sometimes written as “P20” in older documents: they refer to the same fingerprint form for good conduct applications.
6. Where to Get Fingerprinted in Kenya
Fingerprinting must be done at an authorized location. Here are your options:
DCI Headquarters
This is the main office for anyone in Nairobi. It’s located along Kiambu Road, just past the roundabout. All Nairobi residents should come here unless they selected a different station on eCitizen.
Huduma Centres
Several Huduma Centres across Kenya have DCI fingerprinting desks. These include Huduma Centres in Westlands, GPO Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, and others. Check which Huduma Centre you selected when filling your eCitizen form.
Divisional DCI Offices
If you are outside Nairobi, you should apply at your nearest Divisional DCI office in your county. These are found in all 47 county headquarters and in many sub-counties. You must have selected this station during your online application.
📌 Important: You must go to the station you selected during your eCitizen application. You cannot walk into any DCI office and expect to be fingerprinted: the officer will check that your application shows their station.
What to carry to the fingerprinting appointment:
- Original National ID card
- Printed C24 form (double-sided)
- Two printed copies of payment invoice
7. Certificate Taking Too Long? Here Is What to Do
This is the section that most Kenyans need but can’t find straightforward answers to anywhere.
The honest truth: while the official processing time is 2 to 4 weeks after fingerprinting, delays of 5 to 8 weeks are not uncommon, especially if you applied during a busy period (January to March tends to be the busiest, with all the people renewing for the new year and work permits).
Here is a practical escalation path if your good conduct certificate is taking too long:
Follow-Up Escalation Path
Log in to eCitizen, go to DCI services, and check the status of your application. If it shows “fingerprints received” or “processing,” it means it reached DCI HQ and is in the queue. Be patient for at least 4 weeks from your fingerprinting date before escalating.
If it has been over 5 weeks with no update, call the DCI on their publicly listed number or send an email. Quote your eCitizen reference number. Sometimes applications get stuck simply because of a data mismatch between eCitizen and the DCI system: a quick call can unblock this.
If calling doesn’t work after another week or so, go to DCI Headquarters on Kiambu Road. Bring your original ID, eCitizen reference number, and the date of your fingerprinting. Go to the inquiry desk. In many cases, a short visit to HQ is all it takes to get your application moving again.
If you got fingerprinted at a Huduma Centre, you can also go back to that same Huduma Centre and ask them to escalate on your behalf. They have direct channels to DCI.
“Mine took 5 months. I had applied in August and was heading to Qatar in January. Eventually I went to DCI HQ, and they found my application was just sitting there: the system had flagged a name mismatch. They fixed it and I had my certificate in a week.”: A reader from Mombasa
8. Applying from Abroad: Complete Diaspora Guide
If you are already outside Kenya and need a Certificate of Good Conduct: for a work permit renewal, a residency application, or because your employer abroad needs it: this is how it works.
The good news: the eCitizen online application part is the same. You do it from wherever you are. The harder part is the fingerprinting, because you can’t walk into a Kenyan DCI office.
From Saudi Arabia
Kenya has an embassy in Riyadh and a consulate in Jeddah. Here is what you do:
Saudi Arabia Diaspora Application
Do this the same way as someone in Kenya. Select “Embassy/High Commission” as your fingerprinting location if that option is available, or select DCI HQ.
Reach out to them by email or phone and explain that you need fingerprinting for a Certificate of Good Conduct. They will tell you their specific schedule and requirements.
Carry your original Kenyan passport (or ID if you have it), the printed C24 form, and the payment invoices.
The embassy will send your fingerprints to DCI Headquarters in Nairobi. Processing then happens there.
You’ll be notified. Log in and download the PDF. You can then print it locally or have a relative print and courier it to you if you need a physical copy.
Some Saudi employers and recruitment agencies require the certificate to also be authenticated by the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and/or the Saudi Embassy in Kenya. This means someone in Kenya will need to handle that leg. If you don’t have a trusted family member in Kenya, consider using a service that can do it for you.
From the UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Other Countries
The process is the same: contact the Kenyan High Commission or Embassy in your country. In countries without a Kenyan diplomatic mission, the DCI accepts fingerprints taken by:
- An authorized fingerprinting agency in your country of residence
- A local police station (in countries where this is permitted)
- Any other recognized criminal records authority
The fingerprints, together with a covering letter from the fingerprinting agency and your payment receipt, are then sent by post or courier to CID Headquarters, Nairobi.
💡 Pro tip for diaspora applicants: eCitizen allows you to get your certificate as a downloadable PDF. For most foreign institutions, a PDF is acceptable. If the institution needs a certified hard copy, have a trusted person in Kenya collect it on your behalf: or use a reputable Kenyan document services company.
9. Good Conduct Certificate for Work Permit Applications
Whether you are applying for a work permit to go abroad or a foreign national applying for a Kenyan work permit, the Certificate of Good Conduct is almost always in the required documents list.
For Kenyans Applying for Foreign Work Permits
Almost every country that issues a work permit to Kenyans will ask for a police clearance certificate from Kenya. The certificate must usually be:
- Issued within the past 3 to 6 months (check the specific country’s requirement)
- Original or a certified copy (country-dependent)
- Sometimes apostilled by the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Sometimes translated if the destination country requires it
For Foreign Nationals in Kenya
If you are a foreign national legally resident in Kenya and need a local police clearance, you apply at DCI Headquarters on Kiambu Road. You’ll need your passport, proof of residence in Kenya for 3+ months (employment letter or tenancy agreement), and the payment.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Certificate of Good Conduct take in Kenya?
Officially, the DCI targets 2 to 4 weeks after fingerprinting. In reality, most people get theirs within 3 to 6 weeks. If it has been over 2 months, escalate through official channels: visit DCI HQ on Kiambu Road with your reference number.
How much does it cost in 2026?
Ksh 1,050: Ksh 1,000 for the certificate plus a Ksh 50 eCitizen convenience fee. This is paid online. There are no other official charges. Anyone asking you to pay extra at the DCI office is trying to extort you.
My eCitizen says “not ready”: what does that mean?
It means your application is still being processed. This is normal for the first 2 to 3 weeks after fingerprinting. If it still says “not ready” after 6 weeks, you need to follow up: either by calling DCI or visiting HQ in person.
Can I use a Kenyan passport instead of an ID for fingerprinting?
No. The DCI requires a second-generation National ID card for Kenyan citizens applying within Kenya. A passport alone is not accepted at the fingerprinting stage. If you lost your ID, get a replacement first.
What is the C24 form and how do I print it?
The C24 form is the fingerprint form you download from eCitizen after payment. Print it double-sided on a single A4 sheet. If you print it on two separate sheets, the DCI officer may ask you to redo it. Most cyber cafes can do this for you for about Ksh 10 to 20.
Can I apply for good conduct from Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Complete the eCitizen application online and contact the Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh or the Consulate in Jeddah for fingerprinting. They will forward your application to DCI HQ. Processing usually takes 4 to 8 weeks from abroad.
Does the certificate expire?
The DCI does not put an expiry date on the certificate. However, most employers, embassies, and government bodies want a certificate issued within the last 3 to 12 months. Check what your specific institution requires.
Can someone else apply on my behalf?
The online application can be done by someone else using your details and your eCitizen account (or they can create one for you). However, fingerprinting must be done in person: no one can do that on your behalf. Diaspora applicants must go to the nearest Kenyan Embassy personally for fingerprinting.
I’m a boda boda rider: do I really need this?
Some boda boda saccos and county licensing requirements now ask for it. Some don’t. Check with your sacco or the county transport office. If you do need it and you’re not confident doing eCitizen yourself, a cyber cafe near a Huduma Centre or DCI office can help you.
What if I have a criminal record?
The DCI will still issue you a certificate: but it will reflect your criminal history. What happens next depends on the institution asking for it. Some institutions disqualify you for any conviction; others only care about specific types of offences. If you have a spent conviction and believe it was cleared, you can apply and check what the certificate says before sharing it.
11. Need Help? We’ll Do the eCitizen Application for You: Ksh 200
If you are struggling with the eCitizen application: whether it’s creating an account, filling the form, making payment, or printing the C24 form: we are here to help.
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Disclaimer: This is an independent online cyber service guide. We are not affiliated with DCI, eCitizen, or any government body. Information is provided for educational purposes and is updated regularly, but always verify fees and procedures on the official DCI portal at dci.ecitizen.go.ke. For official DCI support, call +254 020 3343312 or 020 7202000.
