Certificate of Good Conduct Upload Size and Compressor

Updated 17 October 2026

Searching for a certificate of good conduct upload limit? The first thing to know is that most Kenyan citizens do not upload anything at all. The documents step mainly applies to foreign residents and visitors. Employers and agencies, on the other hand, often ask you to send them your certificate as a small PDF. The tool above handles both on your own device: combine photos into one PDF, shrink a downloaded certificate, or compress an image. Nothing is uploaded to our server.

What the DCI Actually Asks For

Kenyan citizens

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ police clearance page, citizens apply on eCitizen, choose where to have their fingerprints taken, and pay. They then download and print two copies of the invoice and one copy of the C24 form on both sides of an A4 page, and present these with their original national ID at the fingerprinting point, such as a Huduma Centre or DCI headquarters. When the certificate is ready, you get an SMS and download it from your eCitizen account. The official steps do not include uploading an ID copy or photo.

Foreign residents and visitors

Foreigners apply through the DCI eCitizen service, signing up as a foreign resident (with an alien ID) or a visitor. They must upload documents for their immigration status, such as a work permit, dependant pass, student pass or visitor documents, showing residence in Kenya for six months or more, and wait for approval before paying. If the application is declined, they correct and resubmit.

File Size and Format: Not Officially Published

The DCI page does not state accepted file types or a maximum size for these uploads. Some guides say about 1 MB per file in JPG or PDF, but we could not confirm that officially. The tool therefore defaults to 1,000 KB for PDFs and 500 KB for images, which fits that report. If the eCitizen screen shows a limit, enter it in the “Maximum size” box.

How to Prepare Your Documents

1. Foreign applicants: photograph each page of your permit or pass and the passport bio page, flat and in daylight. Choose “Images to PDF”, select the pages of one document and download a single PDF.
2. Sending your certificate to an employer: if the downloaded certificate is too big for an email or job portal, use “Compress PDF”. If you only have a photo of a printed copy, use “Images to PDF”.
3. Check legibility. Zoom in on reference numbers and QR codes before you send. Employers often verify these.

Common Problems and Fixes

Application declined for foreign applicants

The usual reason is missing proof of six months’ residence or an unreadable permit. Re-upload clearer, complete documents.

Job portal rejects the certificate file

Many recruitment systems cap files at 1 or 2 MB. Compress the PDF to the stated limit with the tool.

No SMS after fingerprinting

Log in to eCitizen and check the application status directly, since the certificate is downloaded from your account.

Related Guides

Read our step-by-step guide on how to apply for a certificate of good conduct and how employers use it in job applications. Job hunting? Browse current vacancies on Job in Kenya. Teachers registering with TSC need the certificate too, see our TSC Registration Documents Upload Size and Compressor. Many employers also ask for a CRB clearance certificate and a KRA tax compliance certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to upload my ID to apply?

Not according to the DCI’s official steps for citizens. You show the original ID at fingerprinting.

Where do I collect the certificate?

The DCI says you download it from your eCitizen account once you receive the SMS.

Are my documents safe in this tool?

Your files never leave your device. Everything runs inside your browser.

Is it free?

Yes. No sign-up or watermark.