Fulfill the Requirements of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya: What Employers Mean

Introduction

If you are applying for a job in Kenya, especially in the public sector or with reputable organizations, you may have come across the phrase: “Applicants must fulfill the requirements of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya.” This requirement is not just a formality — it is a critical part of Kenya’s governance and integrity framework. Understanding what Chapter 6 entails, the documents required, and how to obtain them will give you an advantage in your job application process. This article seeks to explain what employers mean when they say, Fulfill the Requirements of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya:

This article provides what Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya requires, why employers ask for compliance, the documents you need, and the step-by-step process of fulfilling these requirements.

What is Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya?

Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010) is about Leadership and Integrity. Its primary aim is to ensure that individuals holding public office or applying for such positions maintain high standards of integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct. Employers, especially government institutions and NGOs, use this provision to assess the suitability of candidates.

In short, Chapter 6 demands that anyone seeking a position of responsibility must be a person of integrity, free from corruption, and compliant with the law.

Why Do Employers Insist on Chapter 6 Compliance?

Employers, particularly in government and public service, require Chapter 6 compliance to:

• Promote accountability and integrity in public service.
• Ensure candidates are free from corruption, criminal records, or tax evasion.
• Uphold the values and principles of good governance as outlined in the Constitution.
• Protect organizations from reputational damage by employing credible individuals.

Documents Required to Fulfill the Requirements of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya

To demonstrate compliance with Chapter 6, candidates are usually required to present five key clearance certificates issued by different government bodies. These are:

1. Certificate of Good Conduct (from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations – DCI)
   • Proves you do not have a criminal record.
2. Tax Compliance Certificate (from the Kenya Revenue Authority – KRA)
   • Confirms that you have been paying your taxes and are in good standing with KRA.
3. Clearance from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)
   • Shows you are not under investigation for corruption or unethical practices.
4. Clearance from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
   • Confirms whether you have repaid or are in good standing with your HELB loan.
5. Clearance from a Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)
   • Proves you are not blacklisted due to unpaid loans or bad credit history.

(Note: Some employers may ask for additional documents depending on the nature of the role.)

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain Chapter 6 Documents

Here is how you can acquire each clearance certificate:

1. Certificate of Good Conduct (DCI)
   • Apply online via the eCitizen portal.
   • Pay the required fee (approx. Ksh 1,050).
   • Book an appointment and present yourself for fingerprinting.
2. KRA Tax Compliance Certificate
   • Log in to your KRA iTax account.
   • Apply for a Tax Compliance Certificate (usually issued instantly if you are compliant).
3. EACC Clearance
   • Download the self-declaration form from the EACC website.
   • Fill it out, have it commissioned by a Commissioner for Oaths, and submit it to EACC.
4. HELB Clearance Certificate
   • Apply through the HELB portal.
   • If you have completed repayment or are servicing your loan, HELB will issue a certificate.
5. CRB Clearance
   • Contact licensed CRBs in Kenya, such as TransUnion, Metropol, or Creditinfo.
   • Request clearance (you may need to settle outstanding debts before clearance).

Challenges Applicants Face

• Cost: Some certificates come with processing fees.
• Time: Processing may take several days or weeks.
• Debt or Non-Compliance: Applicants with pending HELB loans or bad credit may face difficulties.

Tips for Applicants

• Start the clearance process early to avoid last-minute delays.
• Ensure your tax returns are up to date with KRA.
• If you have outstanding HELB or loan balances, negotiate a repayment plan.
• Keep copies of all your certificates safe for future applications.

Final Thoughts on What Employers Mean when they say, Fulfill the Requirements of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya:

When employers in Kenya state that applicants must “fulfill the requirements of Chapter 6 of the Constitution,” they are essentially asking for proof of integrity, lawfulness, and accountability.

Meeting these requirements not only improves your chances of securing a job but also demonstrates that you are a responsible citizen.

By preparing these documents in advance and ensuring you are compliant with the law, you can approach job applications with confidence.

Remember, integrity is not just a constitutional requirement — it is also a professional value that can set you apart in your career.