Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has tabled a motion in the Senate seeking the automation and decentralization of the Certificate of Good Conduct application process, terming the current manual system outdated, inefficient, and a barrier for thousands of Kenyans, particularly the youth.

Speaking during a Senate session on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Nyutu argued that the manual process is time-consuming, costly, and disproportionately affects applicants in rural and remote areas who are forced to travel long distances for the service.

He called on the National Police Service Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, to develop a fully automated, secure system that incorporates biometric fingerprinting, data encryption, and real-time verification.

“The Certificate of Good Conduct is more than just a document, it's a gateway to opportunities. Delays or failures in the current system lock out many young people from jobs or credit,” said Nyutu, adding that digital transformation must be matched with accessibility.

To this end, he proposed setting up decentralized service points across counties and deploying mobile registration units to underserved areas.

He also called for public awareness campaigns to ensure that citizens understand how to access the new system and navigate the application and renewal process effectively. “Automation without awareness won’t solve the problem,” he said.

Nyutu reminded the House that the certificate is required not just for employment but also for political aspirants and loan applicants, making efficiency in issuance crucial. He emphasized that a process which currently takes weeks could be reduced to minutes with proper technology.

The Certificate of Good Conduct, issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, is valid for one year and must be renewed frequently. The Senate is expected to debate and possibly adopt the motion in the coming days, potentially marking a major shift in how the government delivers one of its most essential services.