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Kenya, 10 November 2026 - The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Tuesday announced that it has expanded its Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS) to four additional counties, bringing faster, technology-driven Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) services closer to more Kenyans.
DCI noted that the technology has revolutionised PCC processing, enabling applicants to obtain their certificates in less than five minutes, a remarkable improvement on the previous 14-working-day timeline.
The latest phase of the rollout follows the initial Nairobi centres and the Central Region expansion in September 2026. In this phase, the system was successfully installed in Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Kitui and Garissa counties, extending faster, more efficient services to residents across the North Rift, Eastern and North Eastern regions.
“To facilitate seamless integration and optimal utilisation of the technology, the DCI deployed specialised teams to undertake installations while providing practical, hands-on training to officers and Huduma Centre personnel,” DCI noted on X.
Principal Criminal Registrar Winfred Kirai, SP, led the DCI team that installed the system in Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia counties. During the exercise, the officials equipped personnel with the requisite skills to operate the technology and facilitate efficient service delivery.
Eng Nicholas Tanui, ASP, led the team deployed to Kitui and Garissa counties. In Kitui, the exercise was conducted in the presence of County Criminal Investigations Officer (CCIO) Ms Cecilia Mugambi, CP.
DCI encouraged residents of the four counties to visit their nearest Huduma Centres and experience the enhanced PCC services, characterised by speed, efficiency and convenience.
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In September, DCI concluded Phase Two of the nationwide deployment of the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS) – ABIS Version 5, marking another significant milestone in the modernisation of criminal records management and the enhancement of PCC services.
The phase primarily covered the Central Region and neighbouring areas, extending the system to 20 additional centres and bringing the total number of connected PCC application centres to 26 out of 63 countrywide. Previously, only six centres were connected, all of them concentrated in Nairobi.
The Central Region rollout covered Kajiado Central, Kajiado West – Kisamis, Machakos, Thika, Kamwangi, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nyandarua – Ol Kalou, Nanyuki, Laikipia East – Makutano, Samburu – Maralal, Kerugoya, Mwea, Embu, Chuka, Marimanti, Maara, Kathwana, Meru and Isiolo.
These expansions are part of the DCI’s strategic plan to extend MBIS beyond Nairobi and connect all operational Huduma Centres, bringing modernised biometric identification and enhanced PCC processing services closer to citizens across the country.
The DCI noted that the deployment underscores its commitment to harnessing technology to strengthen service delivery, enhance efficiency and security, and advance a more modern, citizen-centred criminal justice system.
Previously, there were public concerns that PCCs took too long to process, causing applicants to miss out on job opportunities that required criminal record checks. Before PCC services were extended to Huduma Centres, the only place to have the certificate processed was the DCI Headquarters along Kiambu Road.