Consular · Police clearance

Kenyan police clearance from Canada A Kenyan police clearance, by mail.

Immigration applications often ask for a police certificate from every country you have lived in. For Kenya, you can do it all by mail through the High Commission, but it can take up to 3 months, so start early.

Last checked October 20, 2026. Rules change, so confirm on the linked page before you go or pay anything. Soma kwa Kiswahili.

1. What it is and how long it takes

Also called a certificate of good conduct.
The application goes to the High Commission in Ottawa, by mail or in person. The High Commission takes debit and credit cards for walk-ins only.
Processing can take up to 3 months. The fee is CAD $60, and paying it doesn't guarantee a certificate will be issued.

2. What Kenyan citizens send

Fingerprints: a complete set of rolled and plain fingerprints, taken at a local police station and stamped. Send the original and one photocopy. Old prints or photocopies are not accepted.
ID: two clear copies of your second-generation Kenyan ID (age 18 and over). A passport or birth certificate is not accepted instead.
Under 18: a certified copy and one photocopy of the Kenyan birth certificate.
A short letter requesting the certificate.
Two copies of the application form, downloadable from the High Commission's page.

Call the police service before you go to ask whether they take fingerprints for a foreign police certificate, and what it costs.

3. If you are not a Kenyan citizen

If you lived in Kenya for 6 months or more, for example for work or study, you can also apply. You send fingerprints, a request letter, two application forms, copies of your passport with proof of your time in Kenya, and a certified copy of your passport's photo page. The source page lists every item.

Need it for a job or a licence? See jobs and credentials. For immigration questions, see free legal and immigration help.

4. Fees, payment and return

Mail to: Kenya High Commission, 415 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa, ON K1N 6R4. Send it by courier.
Fee: CAD $60
How to pay: Kenyan citizens: a money order or certified cheque. Non-citizens may also use a bank draft, payable to "Kenya High Commission". Bring or send the exact amount: fees aren't refunded.
Return envelope: Include a prepaid, self-addressed Canada Post Xpresspost envelope with a tracking number. Other couriers need a computer-generated label.
Questions: +1 613-563-1773 · balozi@kenyahighcommission.ca · Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern

An incomplete application is sent back to you, so check every item on the list before you mail it.

Source: Kenya High Commission, "Police clearance certificate"

Quick answers

How do I get a Kenyan police clearance certificate from Canada?

You apply to the Kenya High Commission in Ottawa, by mail or in person. Kenyan citizens send stamped rolled and plain fingerprints from a local police station, two copies of their second-generation Kenyan ID, a short letter requesting the certificate, and two copies of the application form. The fee is CAD $60, paid by money order or certified cheque.

How long does a Kenyan certificate of good conduct take?

Processing can take up to 3 months, so start early if an immigration application needs it. The fee is CAD $60, and paying it doesn't guarantee a certificate will be issued. An incomplete application is sent back to you, so check every item on the list before you mail it.

Where do I get fingerprints for a Kenyan police clearance?

Fingerprints are taken at a local police station and stamped. You need a complete set of rolled and plain fingerprints, and you send the original and one photocopy. Old prints or photocopies are not accepted. Call the police service before you go to ask whether they take fingerprints for a foreign police certificate, and what it costs.

Can I get a Kenyan police clearance if I am not Kenyan?

Yes, if you lived in Kenya for 6 months or more, for example for work or study. You send fingerprints, a request letter, two application forms, copies of your passport with proof of your time in Kenya, and a certified copy of your passport's photo page. Non-citizens may also pay the CAD $60 fee by bank draft.

Wakenyatbay is not part of the Kenya High Commission. Always confirm with the High Commission before you pay.

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