The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has expanded its Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS) to four more counties, Capital FM reported on Tuesday. Residents of Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Kitui and Garissa can now get a Police Clearance Certificate in less than five minutes. The document is commonly called a certificate of good conduct. Before the rollout, applicants waited up to 14 working days, Capital FM said.
The system quickly verifies an applicant's identity and criminal record. It has been installed at Huduma Centres in the four counties, so applicants no longer need to travel to Nairobi for processing. People Daily reported that the equipment is in Eldoret, Kitale and Kitui, among other places. According to Capital FM, the DCI says the expansion is part of its drive to modernise criminal identification services. It also aims to cut delays in the traditional clearance process.
The DCI sent specialised technical teams to install the equipment. The teams also trained officers and Huduma Centre staff to operate it. Principal Criminal Registrar Winfred Kirai led the team in Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia. Assistant Superintendent of Police and engineer Nicholas Tanui led the team in Kitui and Garissa. County Criminal Investigations Officer Cecilia Mugambi attended the installation in Kitui.
The DCI has urged residents of the four counties to visit their nearest Huduma Centre for the new service. Kenyans need the certificate for employment, professional registration, immigration applications and other official transactions. Employers and institutions often require it for background checks. Timely processing therefore matters for applicants chasing jobs and other opportunities.
People Daily said the latest rollout adds to areas where the faster service was already available. The outlets did not say when the system will reach other counties.