DCI rolls out biometric system at diplomatic police unit

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has introduced a biometric system at the Diplomatic Police Unit headquarters, enabling diplomats and foreign nationals to apply for Police Clearance Certificates locally. This service eliminates the need for these individuals to travel to DCI headquarters or Huduma Centres to submit their applications.

The launch of this system coincides with the ongoing deployment of the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS) throughout the country, which has reduced certificate processing time from 14 days to immediate issuance. DCI Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen inaugurated the system at DCI headquarters on July 23, 2026. A subsequent phase in September connected 20 more centres, raising the total to 26 out of the planned 63 nationwide.

This expansion has broadened access to the service beyond the initial six centres in Nairobi, now covering locations in the Central Region and surrounding areas. In addition to expediting certificate processing, the biometric system has expanded the DCI's record-handling capacity from 2 million to 10 million records, with daily search capacity increasing from 4,500 to 20,000.

The MBIS employs fingerprint, palm print, and facial recognition technology to confirm identities and bolster forensic investigations. "It also replaces ink-based fingerprinting and paper-based processes with live digital biometric capture," DCI affirmed. The nationwide rollout of the biometric system continues as the DCI seeks to connect additional application centres to the platform.