The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has expanded its Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS) to four additional counties, cutting Police Clearance Certificate processing times to less than five minutes.
Residents in Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Kitui, and Garissa can now access the technology-driven service directly. The DCI announced the expansion on Tuesday, November 10, bringing the total number of counties equipped with MBIS to 17 across Kenya’s North Rift, Eastern, and North Eastern regions.
The agency initially piloted the system in Nairobi before introducing it across 12 other counties: Kajiado, Machakos, Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Samburu, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, and Isiolo.
The DCI revealed that the nationwide rollout aligns with a broader strategy to integrate MBIS into all operational Huduma Centres. The move dramatically improves accessibility for applicants seeking biometric identification and clearance documents across the country.
Powered by ABIS Version 5, the system modernizes criminal record management and certificate issuance. The DCI noted that the upgraded technology slashes processing times for Police Clearance Certificates, traditionally known as Certificates of Good Conduct, from approximately 14 working days down to less than five minutes.
Beyond certificate generation, MBIS consolidates fingerprint, palmprint, and facial-recognition data. The DCI pointed out that the platform will also enhance suspect identification, forensic fingerprint analysis, and criminal investigation workflows nationwide.
