Chapter Six Clearance in Kenya: 5 Essential Documents and Common Mistakes

Updated 7 November 2026

Chapter Six clearance is the set of integrity documents that Kenyan public bodies ask successful or shortlisted candidates to produce before appointment. It takes its name from Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity. A typical advert lists five: a certificate of good conduct from the DCI, a HELB clearance certificate, a KRA tax compliance certificate, clearance from the EACC and a report from a licensed credit reference bureau.

Checked on 7 November 2026 against a Kenya Railways job advert (August 2026) that sets out the five clearances, and the EACC’s application clearance instructions. Each employer’s advert decides exactly what it needs.

Contents: The five documents · DCI · HELB · KRA · EACC · CRB · Timing and mistakes · FAQ

The five Chapter Six clearance documents

Kenya Railways’ August 2026 advert, for example, says only successful candidates will be expected to present:

1. a valid certificate of good conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI);
2. a valid clearance certificate from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB);
3. a valid tax compliance certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA);
4. current clearance from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC); and
5. a current report from an approved credit reference bureau (CRB).

Some employers want them at shortlisting, others only from the final candidate. Read the advert closely: words such as “valid” and “current” matter, because older documents may be rejected.

1. DCI certificate of good conduct

You apply through eCitizen, pay the fee, then have your fingerprints taken at a DCI centre or Huduma Centre if asked. Processing can take time, so this is usually the first Chapter Six clearance document to start. Our step-by-step guide to applying for a certificate of good conduct covers the process.

2. HELB clearance certificate

If you took a HELB loan, you need to be up to date or have cleared it before HELB issues a clearance certificate. If you never borrowed from HELB, ask HELB for confirmation that you have no loan account, because many employers still want proof. Start early if you have arrears: you may need to agree a repayment plan first.

3. KRA tax compliance certificate

The tax compliance certificate (TCC) is issued on iTax when your returns are filed and you have no unpaid tax. Missing nil returns are a common reason applications fail. See our guide to the KRA tax compliance certificate for the steps.

4. EACC clearance (self-declaration form)

The EACC part of Chapter Six clearance works differently from the others. According to the EACC’s instructions:

• You fill in the self-declaration form in duplicate and attach copies of your ID or passport, KRA PIN certificate and academic certificates.
• You sign the form, and a Commissioner for Oaths or magistrate witnesses your signature.
• You submit it in person, or someone drops it for you, at Integrity Centre in Nairobi or any EACC regional office. You can also apply online.
• EACC stamps your copy as acknowledgement. No certificate is issued; the Commission sends a confidential report on shortlisted applicants to the employer.

The EACC charges nothing for the self-declaration, though the Commissioner for Oaths may charge a witnessing fee. Giving false information is an offence under the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012, punishable by a fine of up to KSh 5 million, up to five years in prison, or both.

5. CRB report

Employers ask for a current report from a licensed credit reference bureau to check for unpaid debts. You can request your report from a bureau such as TransUnion, Metropol or Creditinfo. If you have a negative listing, clearing the debt and getting an updated status takes time. Our guide on getting TransUnion CRB clearance explains the steps.

Chapter Six clearance timing and common mistakes

• Start before you are shortlisted. The DCI certificate and any HELB or CRB fixes take the longest.
• Check expiry dates. Employers ask for valid or current documents; a certificate issued long ago may not be accepted.
• Keep the EACC stamped copy. It is your only proof, since EACC does not issue a certificate.
• Match your names. Use the same names as on your ID across all five documents.
• Scan everything as PDF. Online portals often limit file size, so prepare clear, compressed copies.

For the full set of papers employers ask for beyond Chapter Six clearance, see our list of documents needed for job applications in Kenya.

Frequently asked questions

What documents are needed for Chapter Six clearance?

Usually five: a DCI certificate of good conduct, HELB clearance, a KRA tax compliance certificate, EACC clearance and a CRB report. Always follow the specific advert.

Does the EACC issue a clearance certificate?

No. You get a stamped copy of your self-declaration form, and the EACC sends a confidential report on shortlisted applicants to the employer.

How much does EACC clearance cost?

The EACC charges nothing. You may pay a Commissioner for Oaths to witness your signature.

When should I apply for Chapter Six clearance?

As early as possible, ideally when you apply for the job, because some documents take weeks and adverts often require them at interview or before appointment.