Government plans digital system to ease access to certificates

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has disclosed that the government is considering reforms to make the process of acquiring police clearance and good conduct certificates easier by eliminating the repeated fingerprint requirement.

Speaking in a television interview on Monday night, September 1, 2025, Ruku said the proposal is part of a wider sector transformation policy aimed at creating a seamless and efficient digital government.

He explained that the intention is to have a central system where fingerprints and personal data are securely stored, reducing repetitive procedures for citizens.

“At the moment, if you want to get a police clearance certificate, you have to walk or drive somewhere and give your fingerprints every year. Is it possible to have fingerprints stored once and for all, and not be required again and again?” he posed.

According to Ruku, such a system would not only cut costs but also ease the burden on Kenyans who often face delays and inconvenience in obtaining government documents.

He said the platform would further eliminate the need for attaching stacks of certificates when applying for services, since institutions would be able to share and confirm details digitally.

The Cabinet Secretary pointed to ongoing innovations such as the digital platform under universal healthcare, which has already simplified access to treatment, as an example of how technology can be replicated in other sectors.

He said linking education and employment records to the system would make it possible for institutions to verify academic qualifications or work history instantly, without citizens presenting hard copies.

Ruku also noted that digitisation would help resolve persistent problems such as fake certificates, falsified ages to delay retirement, and corruption in service delivery.

“We need to have an efficient public service that addresses the needs of young people. The average age in Kenya is 22 years, and they want services straight from their mobile phones, without unnecessary bureaucracy,” he said.

While highlighting the benefits, he cautioned that reforms must also prioritise data safety.

He warned that sensitive national data could be targeted by cyberattacks, stressing that protecting it would be just as crucial as enhancing efficiency.

This proposal builds on reforms Ruku has previously championed. In July, he announced that a government mobile application was being developed to monitor civil servants’ attendance and performance.

The app, which will be compulsory for all public officers, is expected to address absenteeism and eliminate ghost workers.