How to Get a Police Certificate - Kenya

Do I need to provide a Police Certificate with my Application for Permanent Residence? Yes

Name of document(s) to get: Police Clearance Certificate

How to get a Police Certificate

If you are a citizen of Kenya

If you live in Kenya:

You should apply in person to the Divisional Criminal Investigation Department (CID) office for the area where you live in Kenya or the CID Headquarters-Nairobi (see Special notes and considerations for complete address). You must allow your fingerprints and palm prints to be recorded on a prescribed form and you must also bring:

• An original and a clear photocopy of your second-generation national identification card (Kenyan passports are not accepted)
• Applicable fees

If you live outside of Kenya:

You should apply to the CID Headquarters-Nairobi (see Special notes and considerations for complete address). You must allow your fingerprints and palm prints to be recorded on a prescribed form bearing an official stamp of your nearest Police Station in the country of residence. You must also bring:

• A photocopy of your second-generation national identification card (Kenyan passports are not accepted)
• An application letter explaining why the police certificate is being requested
• Applicable fees

Send your application to the CID Headquarters-Nairobi and include a self-addressed return pre-paid envelope.

If you are not a citizen of Kenya

If you live in Kenya:

You should apply in person to the Divisional CID office for the area where you live in Kenya or the CID Headquarters-Nairobi (see Special notes and considerations for complete address). You must allow your fingerprints and palm prints to be recorded on a prescribed form and you must also bring:

• Your original and a copy of your country’s passport with documentary proof that you have been a resident in Kenya
• Document from your employer or training institution
• For expatriate, a valid work permit or dependant’s pass
• Students will have to produce pupil’s passes accompanied by relevant testimonials and/or certificates proving the completion of the course
• Applicable fees

If you live in Kenya (refugees in Kenya):

You should apply in person at the CID Headquarters-Nairobi (see Special notes and considerations for complete address). You must allow your fingerprints and palm prints to be recorded on a prescribed form and you must also bring:

• Your original and a copy of a valid UNHCR mandate letter. A movement pass from a transit centre or refugee camp is also mandatory. Note: recommendations from other government or non-governmental organizations are not acceptable
• Applicable fees

Those in other areas should apply in Nairobi where all competent authorities are stationed to verify above documents.

If you live outside of Kenya:

You should apply to the CID Headquarters-Nairobi (see Special notes and considerations for complete address). You must allow your fingerprints and palm prints to be recorded on a prescribed form bearing an official stamp of your nearest Police Station in your present country of residence. You must also bring:

• A certified copy of your country’s passport
• Documentary proof of residency in Kenya
• An application letter explaining why the police certificate is being requested
• Applicable fees

Send your application to the CID Headquarters-Nairobi and include a self-addressed return pre-paid envelope.

Information and documents you need

All information and documents needed are explained above

Special notes and considerations

Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters
Directorate of Criminal Investigations
Mazingira House, Kiambu Road
P.O. Box 30036-00100 GPO
Nairobi, Kenya