Kenyans Set for Faster Good Conduct Certificates Under New Bill

Kenyan MPs are considering a Bill that would streamline the issuance and renewal of Certificates of Good Conduct by removing the requirement for applicants to resubmit fingerprints each time they renew.

The National Police Service (Amendment) Bill was reviewed by the National Assembly Committee on Thursday, 23 April. The legislation, sponsored by Kandunyi MP John Makali, proposes a shift towards a digital system in which biometric data captured during the initial application would be reused for future renewals without the need for physical attendance.

Makali told the committee that the proposed changes are intended to modernise the process and reduce reliance on manual procedures. He said the current system places significant pressure on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which processes about one million certificates annually, leading to delays and congestion at service points, including Huduma Centres and DCI offices.

Under the proposed framework, the DCI would be required to develop and maintain a secure biometric database to store and retrieve fingerprint and related identity data for subsequent applications. This would allow renewals to be handled electronically once the initial capture has been completed.

Vice Chair of the committee Robert Pukose sought clarification on whether the transition would affect ongoing service delivery. In response, Makali stated that certificates would continue to be issued under the current system during the rollout period, with improvements in speed and efficiency expected as the new system is implemented.

The committee also reviewed the financial and technical readiness of the proposed reforms. Officials said the government is upgrading the Automated Palm and Fingerprint Identification System (APFIS) to a Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS). 

The project is estimated to cost Ksh2.71 billion over five years, with Ksh1.138 billion already allocated and a funding gap of Ksh1.57 billion. Completion is expected by the 2028/29 financial year.