Senators have initiated a bold move to revolutionize the issuance of the Certificate of Good Conduct by proposing the rollout of an automated certification system across the country.
The proposed system, if implemented, aims to spare thousands of Kenyans from the inconvenience of traveling long distances to apply for or renew the Police Clearance Certificate, commonly known as the Certificate of Good Conduct. The document is a crucial requirement for job seekers, contractors, and individuals pursuing various legal and administrative processes in Kenya.
Lawmakers are now calling on the government to decentralize access to the certification service by setting up more service points across counties and deploying mobile registration units to underserved and remote areas.
“This is about bringing essential government services closer to the people,” one senator said during a recent session. “No Kenyan should be forced to spend time and money just to access a basic document required for economic participation.”
Additionally, the Senate is urging the National Police Service (NPS) to scale up public education efforts, particularly in rural communities, to raise awareness about the application and renewal process for the certificate.
The call for reform comes amid mounting complaints from Kenyans over delays and logistical challenges in acquiring the certificate, with some applicants forced to wait weeks or travel to major urban centres such as Nairobi or Mombasa.
If approved, the automated and decentralized system is expected to ease pressure on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), enhance efficiency, and support digital governance objectives under Kenya’s e-citizen platform.
