Residents seeking police clearance services in Kericho are set to benefit from faster and more efficient processing following the installation of a new Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS) at the Kericho Huduma Centre.

The system, installed at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) desk by a technical team from DCI Headquarters in Nairobi, is expected to strengthen biometric identification and improve the processing of Police Clearance Certificates.

The installation team was led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Samson Ireri.

Kericho Huduma Centre Manager Peter Liaulo described the installation as a major milestone in the government’s efforts to harness technology to modernize public service delivery.

Liaulo said the new system would strengthen the center’s capacity to provide efficient, reliable, and accessible DCI services while reducing delays experienced by members of the public.

“The installation of this system is an important milestone for the Kericho Huduma Centre because it will enhance the way we deliver services to our customers. We expect the technology to improve efficiency, reduce delays, and make the experience of seeking government services much better,” Liaulo said.

He said the upgraded system would make it easier for residents to access DCI-related services locally, reducing the need to travel to Nairobi to obtain services available within the county.

“Our objective at Huduma Kenya is to bring government services closer to the people. When such technology is installed at a center like Kericho, our customers can access improved services within their own county,” he said.

The MBIS is a DCI technology that supports biometric identification using different biometric characteristics and forms part of ongoing efforts to modernize the processing of DCI services.

Speaking to the Kenya News Agency (KNA), Liaulo said the technology would increase the center’s capacity to handle the growing number of customers seeking Police Clearance Certificates.

He said the system would help speed up processing, reduce waiting times, and improve overall efficiency in service delivery.

“We anticipate improved turnaround times and greater efficiency in processing customers. The system gives us additional capacity to serve people more effectively and is in line with the government’s broader digital transformation agenda,” he said.

Police Clearance Certificates are required for various purposes, including employment, travel, education, and other official requirements. Efficient processing of the certificates is therefore important to members of the public who require them for personal and professional purposes.

Liaulo urged residents seeking DCI services to take advantage of the improved facilities while following the required application procedures.

He assured customers that the center would continue working closely with the DCI and other government agencies to ensure services were delivered professionally, efficiently, and conveniently.

“We are here to make sure that the investment the government has made in this technology benefits the ordinary citizen. Our responsibility is to ensure that customers are guided properly and receive the services they require efficiently,” Liaulo said.

The installation was witnessed by Kericho Deputy County Commissioner Stella Wanyela, who handed over the first certificate to a customer following the commissioning of the system.

Wanyela welcomed the new technology, describing it as a boost to service delivery and an important development in improving access to government services.

Also present was Beatrice Chelagat, Head of Policy and Legal at Huduma Kenya.

For residents of Kericho and neighboring areas, the installation of upgraded biometric infrastructure is now available locally, further strengthening the center’s ability to provide DCI services under Huduma Kenya’s one-stop government service model.

Liaulo said the centre would continue embracing innovation and working with government agencies to ensure technology remained an important tool for improving the citizen experience.

“Huduma Kenya is about the customer. Every improvement we introduce must ultimately make government services easier, faster, and more convenient for the people. This system is another step towards achieving that objective,” he said.

The installation at Kericho Huduma Centre forms part of broader efforts to deploy modern biometric technology at DCI service points across the country.

The technology is expected to enhance identification, improve the efficiency of Police Clearance Certificate processing, and strengthen access to DCI services.

The development also supports the government’s wider digital transformation agenda, which seeks to use technology to improve the delivery of public services and make them more accessible to citizens.

As more public services move towards technology-enabled platforms, Huduma Kenya continues to serve as a one-stop model through which citizens can access multiple government services in one location.

The Kericho installation is expected to further enhance the center’s ability to meet rising demand while reducing the time and cost residents incur when seeking essential official services.

Liaulo said the center remained committed to working with relevant government agencies to ensure the new system delivered its intended benefits to residents.

By Gilbert Mutai