Updated 2026-11-14
Public-service adverts may ask candidates to meet Chapter Six requirements, but read the specific advert and shortlist notice before applying for documents. A KRA Tax Compliance Certificate, HELB compliance or clearance document, DCI Police Clearance Certificate, EACC self-declaration and CRB clearance each cover a different record.
Genuine public recruitment is free. Never pay anyone who promises a job, shortlisting or clearance.
| Document | What it shows | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| KRA Tax Compliance Certificate | KRA proof that applicable taxes have been filed and paid. | KRA says job applicants need it upon being offered the job. |
| HELB compliance certificate | You are up to date with HELB repayment, or did not benefit from a HELB loan. | Use when the employer asks for HELB compliance. |
| HELB clearance certificate | A HELB beneficiary has completed loan repayment. | Use if you have fully repaid the loan. |
| DCI Police Clearance Certificate | A police-clearance document issued by DCI. | Often called a certificate of good conduct. |
| EACC self-declaration | Your declaration and EACC's integrity-clearance process. | EACC sends a confidential report to the employing agency or panel. It does not issue a physical certificate. |
| CRB clearance certificate | A credit-status document from a licensed credit reference bureau. | Use only where the advert or employer requests it. |
KRA Tax Compliance Certificate: Apply through iTax. KRA says the certificate is sent to the applicant's email address. Ensure applicable returns are filed on time, taxes are paid and outstanding tax debt is cleared. A TCC is valid for 12 months. For job applications, KRA says it is required upon being offered the job.
HELB compliance or clearance certificate: If you are up to date with a HELB loan, or never received a HELB loan, apply through the HELB Portal or e-Citizen for a compliance certificate. If you completed repayment, request a clearance certificate through the HELB Portal. HELB also says you may visit a Huduma Centre or its main office. HELB states that its compliance-certificate service is not charged.
DCI certificate of good conduct: Create or sign in to eCitizen, make the adult application, choose a fingerprinting location and follow the payment step in the DCI service. Print two invoices and print the C24 on both sides of A4 paper. Take the C24, invoices and original national ID to the selected fingerprinting location. DCI says it sends an SMS when the certificate is ready to download from eCitizen.
EACC self-declaration: Complete the self-declaration form in duplicate and attach copies of your ID or passport, KRA PIN certificate and academic certificates. Sign before a Commissioner for Oaths or Magistrate. EACC says the service itself is free, although the witness may charge legal fees. Use Adili Online or submit at EACC as instructed. EACC verifies the details and sends a confidential report to the employing agency or panel for shortlisted applicants. There is no physical EACC clearance certificate.
CRB clearance certificate: Start with the CBK licensed-CRB directory and use a bureau listed there. Follow that bureau's current consumer application instructions. Do not use an agent or an unverified link.
The official pages reviewed do not state one standard processing time for KRA TCC, HELB compliance or clearance, EACC self-declaration, or a CRB clearance certificate. DCI's application page says it will send an SMS when the certificate is ready but does not give a processing-day promise. Apply early after checking the employer's instructions.
If an advert gives a document deadline, follow that written deadline and contact the issuing agency promptly if your application is still pending.
Not necessarily. Follow the wording of the particular advert, shortlist notice or offer letter. KRA specifically says a Tax Compliance Certificate is required for a job upon being offered the job.
No. EACC says it does not issue a physical certificate. After the self-declaration process, it sends a confidential report to the employing agency or panel for shortlisted applicants.
Compliance is for a borrower who is up to date with repayment, including within the grace period, or for a non-beneficiary. Clearance is issued after a beneficiary completes repayment.
Check the Central Bank of Kenya directory of licensed credit reference bureaus before using a bureau's consumer service.
DCI says it sends an SMS notification and you then download the certificate from your eCitizen account.