How Kenyans Abroad Can Get a Certificate of Good Conduct
If you live outside Kenya and need a Certificate of Good Conduct for a visa, a job, a residency application or professional registration, you do not need to book a flight home. The certificate, also known as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), can be applied for online, with fingerprinting done at a Kenyan embassy, High Commission or consulate.
The process involves applying and paying through eCitizen, getting your fingerprints taken at a Kenyan mission and waiting for the DCI to process the application. Once the certificate of good conduct is ready, you can download it through your eCitizen account.
Here is how the process works from start to finish.
Step-by-Step: Applying From Outside Kenya
1. Log in to eCitizen
Sign in to your eCitizen account, or register one if you do not have an account. Once logged in, open the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) services section and select the Certificate of Good Conduct application.
2. Fill in the form and upload your documents
Enter your personal details as they appear on your national ID or passport, and attach the supporting documents requested.
Check your details carefully before submitting the application. Names or ID details that do not match can cause delays and may require you to correct the information before the application can proceed.
3. Pay the fee Ksh. 1500
The total cost is KSh 1,050, made up of KSh 1,000 for the certificate and a KSh 50 eCitizen convenience fee.
You can pay through M-Pesa, a debit or credit card, or bank transfer.
4. Download and print your forms
After making the payment, download the application forms generated by the system and print them. These include the C24 fingerprint form, which you will need when you have your fingerprints taken.
5. Get your fingerprints taken at a Kenyan mission
Contact the nearest Kenyan embassy, High Commission or consulate and ask about booking a fingerprinting appointment.
Do this early because some missions only handle fingerprinting on certain days. For your appointment, bring your national ID or passport, a passport-size photograph, the printed application forms and proof of payment.
6. Wait for the DCI to process your application
After your fingerprints are taken, the mission sends them to Kenya through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
The DCI’s Forensic Fingerprint Identification Bureau then analyses the fingerprints and processes the application before the certificate is issued.
7. Download the certificate
Once the certificate is ready, it appears in your eCitizen account. You can download it and print a copy for your records or use it for the application that requires it.
The DCI has summed up the service for Kenyans abroad in a simple message: “Get your Police Clearance Certificate, even while abroad!”
How Long It Takes and How Long It Lasts
Applications handled through Kenyan missions abroad usually take between four and eight weeks. This is longer than the roughly two to four weeks quoted for applications made inside Kenya because the fingerprints have to travel through diplomatic channels before the DCI can process them.
The actual timeline can also vary depending on the number of applications being handled by a particular mission.
If you need the certificate for a deadline, such as a visa appointment or job start date, apply at least two months in advance.
Once issued, the certificate is valid for twelve months. If it expires before you use it, you will need to repeat the application process, including having your fingerprints taken again.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
OTP verification without a Kenyan number
eCitizen sends a one-time password (OTP) to a Kenyan mobile number. If you no longer use your Kenyan line, you can temporarily use a relative’s number to receive the code, or contact eCitizen support and ask about other verification options.
It is better to sort this out before starting the application because you may need the same number to log in again later.
Poor-quality fingerprints
Fingerprints that are smudged or unclear may have to be retaken, which can add more time to the process.
Wash and dry your hands before the appointment and follow the officer’s instructions during fingerprint capture.
Mission-specific rules
Requirements can differ from one Kenyan mission to another. This can include appointment procedures, fingerprinting days and the documents you need to bring.
Call or email the mission before your appointment so you know what to expect and do not arrive without a required document.
Details that do not match
Make sure the information on your eCitizen profile matches your national ID or passport.
If the details do not match, correct them before submitting the application. Fixing errors after submission can slow down the process.
Foreign Nationals Who Previously Lived in Kenya
You do not have to be a Kenyan citizen to apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct.
Foreign nationals who previously lived in Kenya and are now abroad can use the same process, but they must also provide proof of their former immigration status in Kenya. This can include a work permit, dependant pass, diplomatic card or student pass.
The certificate is then issued with remarks that reflect the applicant’s status.
Quick Checklist
Before starting your application, make sure you have:
- An active eCitizen account and a Kenyan phone number for OTP verification
- KSh 1,050 for the application fee
- Your national ID or passport
- A passport-size photograph
- The printed application forms, including the C24 fingerprint form
- Proof of payment
- A confirmed fingerprinting appointment at your nearest Kenyan mission
- About four to eight weeks of lead time
Starting the online application and contacting your Kenyan mission on the same day is the simplest way to avoid delays. With your paperwork ready, you can complete the online application from abroad and have your fingerprints taken at a Kenyan mission.
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