How to Check if Your Certificate of Good Conduct is Ready

How to Check if Your Certificate of Good Conduct is Ready.

Before verifying the status of your certificate of good conduct in Kenya, you must first complete the application process. Once you have applied, you will need to wait several weeks before downloading and printing it.

This certificate is a crucial requirement when seeking employment in Kenya. Understanding the steps to check whether your certificate of good conduct is ready will help streamline the process.

Many employers in Kenya mandate that job applicants provide a police clearance certificate before employment. This document confirms that the applicant has undergone a criminal background check by Kenyan authorities and has no criminal record.

As a result, it plays a vital role in verifying an individual’s legal standing.

How to Check the Status of Your Certificate of Good Conduct

The process of checking the status of your police clearance certificate depends on how you applied. Below are three methods to determine if your certificate is ready:

1. Checking at Huduma Centre

If you applied for a certificate of good conduct at a Huduma Centre, you could visit the same location to check your application status. Kenya has 52 Huduma Centres across the country, ensuring accessibility in all 47 counties.

When visiting a Huduma Centre, you must provide your details and pay KES 1,000 for processing and verification. The certificate is typically available after five days, but it can take up to 30 days for verification, processing, and issuance.

2. Checking at DCI Headquarters

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is responsible for processing and issuing certificates of good conduct. Using biometric technology, the DCI captures and stores an applicant’s fingerprints to verify their identity and criminal history.

You can apply for the certificate at any DCI office nationwide. The DCI headquarters is located along Kiambu Road in Muthaiga, Nairobi. Those outside Nairobi can visit the nearest Divisional CID office for application and collection.

After submission, the certificate is generally ready within a week. However, depending on the volume of applications, the processing time may extend beyond this period.

3. Checking Online via eCitizen

For applicants who prefer an online approach, the eCitizen website offers a way to check and download the certificate of good conduct. To access this service, you must have an active eCitizen account. If you already have an account, follow these steps:

• Visit the eCitizen website and log in.
• Navigate to the “Directorate of Criminal Investigations” section and click on “Get Services.”
• Under “Recent Applications,” find the certificate status.
• If the certificate is ready, the option “Generate Certificate PN NIL” will be available.
• Click on the reference number that begins with “PCC.”
• Select “Download” to save the file or “Print” to print it directly.

If you do not have an eCitizen account, you must create one using the following steps:

• Go to the official eCitizen portal and select “Apply for Certificate of Good Conduct.”
• Click on “Create Account” and choose “Citizen.”
• Enter your ID number and first name as per your identification card, then click “Verify.”
• Provide an email address and create a password.
• Confirm your email via the verification link sent to your inbox.
• Once redirected to the eCitizen platform, enter your mobile phone number and verify it using the code sent via SMS.
• After verifying your phone number, upload your photo or skip this step to complete registration.

Once your eCitizen account is active, you can check and download your police clearance certificate when it becomes available.

Application Process for Foreigners

Foreign nationals seeking a Good Conduct Certificate in Kenya can apply as either residents or visitors. For residents, the process mirrors that of Kenyan citizens, with minor adjustments in documentation and payment. Visitors, however, must follow these steps to complete their application:

1. Access the official eCitizen portal.
2. Select the option to apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct.
3. Log in if you have an account, or sign up if you are a new user.
4. Choose “Foreigner” from the drop-down menu.
5. Provide details such as nationality, passport number, full name as per passport, gender, and date of birth.
6. Submit the details to proceed.
7. Enter contact details, create a password, and upload a photograph.
8. Verify the account and complete the application form.

Verifying the Authenticity of a Good Conduct Certificate

To confirm the validity of a Good Conduct Certificate issued in Kenya, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) website.
2. Select the “Police Clearance Certificate” option.
3. Enter the unique application number printed on the certificate.
4. Provide the national ID number.
5. Click submit to initiate the verification process.
6. If the certificate is valid, a confirmation message will be displayed.

Eligibility Criteria for a Good Conduct Certificate

Various individuals qualify to apply for a Good Conduct Certificate, including:

• Kenyan citizens residing within the country.
• Kenyan citizens living abroad.
• Foreign nationals who are not classified as aliens or refugees in Kenya.
• Foreign nationals who are legally recognized as aliens or refugees in Kenya.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess a second-generation National Identity Card along with a clear photocopy. Minors under 18 can apply but must provide an original and clear copy of their birth certificate.

Processing Time for a Good Conduct Certificate

In most cases, the certificate will be ready for collection within one to two weeks. However, the process may take longer if the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) requires additional time to check criminal records. If no criminal records are found, the certificate can be issued within a week.

Processing Time at Huduma Centre

If applying through Huduma Centre, the certificate will typically be available for collection within a week. However, applicants should anticipate a waiting period of two weeks to a month before receiving the document.

Cost of Obtaining a Good Conduct Certificate

The application fee for a Good Conduct Certificate is KES 1,000, payable during the application process. Once issued, the certificate can be downloaded and printed from the eCitizen portal or collected from the DCI Headquarters or Huduma Centre at no extra cost.

Validity Period of a Good Conduct Certificate

The certificate remains valid for 12 months. After this period, applicants must reapply for a new one. However, employers may accept a certificate issued within the last three years for reference purposes.

Checking the Readiness of a Good Conduct Certificate

To determine if the certificate is ready for collection, applicants can:

• Visit the DCI office in person.
• Check at the Huduma Centre or DCI regional office where the application was submitted.
• Log in to the eCitizen portal to check the application status.

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Reasons for Delays in Certificate Processing

Delays in processing Good Conduct Certificates may occur due to:

• High demand leading to backlogs at the DCI.
• System malfunctions or processing issues.
• Application errors or missing information requiring corrections and further review.

Applicants can mitigate delays by ensuring that all required details are accurate and complete before submitting their applications.

How to Check if Your Certificate of Good Conduct is Ready.

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