The director of criminals investigation DCI has released a statement on current situation at police clearance certificate centre.
In a statement to the press, DCI says it is currently having a “huge backlog” of clearance certificates due to system malfunction.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations wishes to inform members of the public that we are currently having a huge backlog of Police Clearance Certificate applications stretching back to April this year as a result of APFIS system downtime.”
“The breakdown issue was resolved in September, 2023 leaving a backlog of over
600,000 police clearance applications against daily appliations ranging between 13,000 and 15,000.” A statement from DCI seen by the k47 digital news team read.
DCI detailed that the Principal Criminal Registrar has taken pragmatic steps to deal with the backlog which includes incorporating both automated and manual procesing of the
applications.
Further, the Forensic Fingerprint identification Bureau (FFIB) officers are said to be working round the clock, including on Saturdays and Sundays to increase the throughput.
“At present, we are processing the clearance certificates on a first in first out basis with special consideration to needy cases like overseas medical treatment, scholarships and booked flights.”
To ensure such needy cases and all delayed cases are promptly addressed, officers at the DCI headquarters and Huduma Centres (DCI Desks) countrywide are sorting out and separately packaging such requests before submitting them for urgent processing.
“As a result, we have so far reduced the pile up from 635,000 to 390,7 78 applications as at 10th November, 2023.We regret the inconveniences caused to the applicants and appeal for calm and patience as the Principal Criminal Registrar bids to clear the remaining backlog soonest possible, thereby realizing a two-week wait time by February, 2024.” Statement DCI.
Adding: “The DCI pledges its commitment to continue executing its mandate effectively and expeditiously in a responsive and accountable manner.”
