How to Apply for a Good Conduct Certificate Online in Kenya (2026 Guide)
Step-by-step guide to applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct (GCC) through the DCI (Directorate of Criminal Investigations) eCitizen portal in Kenya — what you need, the cost (KSh 1,050), and how long it takes.
What Is a Certificate of Good Conduct?
A Certificate of Good Conduct (CGC) — also called a Good Conduct Certificate or Police Clearance Certificate — is an official document issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Kenya. It certifies that the applicant has no criminal record or pending cases in Kenya.
You will need a Good Conduct Certificate for:
- Employment applications (especially government and NGO jobs)
- HELB student loan applications
- Professional licence applications (nursing, law, teaching etc.)
- Visa and immigration applications
- Business permit applications
- Tenancy agreements
Requirements Before You Apply
Before starting your application, make sure you have:
- An active eCitizen account
- Your National ID number (or Passport number for non-citizens)
- A recent passport-size photograph (JPEG, under 2 MB)
- Scanned copy of your National ID (front and back, PDF or JPEG)
- Payment method: M-Pesa, Airtel Money, or Visa/Mastercard
Step-by-Step: How to Apply Online
Step 1: Log in to eCitizen
Go to ecitizen.go.ke and sign in with your registered National ID number and password. If you do not have an account, create one first.
Step 2: Go to the DCI Service
From the eCitizen dashboard, click on DCI (Directorate of Criminal Investigations). Under the DCI services menu, select Certificate of Good Conduct.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
Complete the online form with your full name (as per National ID), ID number, date of birth, nationality, and current residential address. Upload your passport photo and ID scan when prompted.
Step 4: Pay the Fee
The current application fee is KSh 1,050 (inclusive of levy). Pay via M-Pesa Lipa Na M-Pesa or Airtel Money directly on the portal. You will receive an M-Pesa confirmation and a payment receipt on eCitizen.
Step 5: Take Your Fingerprints
After paying, you will receive a reference number and a letter of invitation to visit a DCI fingerprinting station. Carry your original National ID and the printed invitation letter. Fingerprinting is free and takes about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Wait for Processing
After fingerprinting, DCI processes your certificate. Processing typically takes 14–21 working days. You will receive an SMS and email notification when your certificate is ready.
Step 7: Download Your Certificate
Log back into eCitizen, go to My Applications, and click Download next to your completed application. The certificate is a PDF with a QR verification code — it is legally valid in digital form.
Fees Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application fee (DCI) | KSh 1,000 |
| eCitizen platform levy | KSh 50 |
| Total | KSh 1,050 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Name mismatch: Make sure your name in the form matches your National ID exactly.
- Wrong photo format: Use a plain white or light-coloured background. DCI rejects photos with busy backgrounds.
- Not carrying your ID to fingerprinting: You will be turned away without the original ID.
- Applying for someone else: Each person must apply under their own eCitizen account and attend fingerprinting in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Good Conduct Certificate valid?
A Certificate of Good Conduct is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. Most employers and institutions accept certificates less than 6 months old.
Can I check my application status online?
Yes. Log into eCitizen and go to My Applications → DCI. The status will show as Pending, Processing, or Ready.
What if I live abroad?
Kenyan citizens living abroad can apply via eCitizen but must present themselves at the nearest Kenyan Embassy or High Commission for fingerprinting.
Can I get it in less than 14 days?
There is no official express service. Applying mid-week and completing fingerprinting on the same day as your letter tends to be fastest — some applicants receive certificates in 7–10 days during quiet periods.
Need Help? Let an Expert Handle It
Kaziiko experts can prepare your application, double-check your documents, and walk you through the process — saving you the risk of rejection.
Get Expert Help on Kaziiko
Kaziiko connects you with verified Kenyan experts who handle government services, tax compliance, business registration, and more — remotely, fast, and paid via M-Pesa.
- Browse Verified Kenyan Experts on Kaziiko — find the right expert for your needs.
- Browse All Services on Kaziiko — KRA, eCitizen, NTSA, SHA, NSSF and more.
- Post a Task — describe what you need and get quotes from experts.
