The National Intelligence Service (NIS) is formally, Kenya’s top civilian intelligence agency responsible for the Republic’s security intelligence, counterintelligence, counterterrorism, and counterespionage, among other critical military tactics.

Informally, you can best describe them as the country’s secret guardians who work behind the scenes to keep citizens safe. They are not hands-on equipped to fight battles and win wars, but they do it best with their minds.

As such, NIS remains a mystery and one of the government bodies sworn to the utmost secrecy. They cooperate covertly with other national security agencies like the NPS and DCI to ensure Kenya’s territorial integrity remains unscathed.

Unlike other security forces, the NIS doesn’t do mass hiring or post job ads. Instead, they keep it mysterious by inviting Kenyans to create profiles within the NIS career network. Summed up, it is them who headhunt for individuals for NIS career opportunities.

“Your profile will be considered whenever positions arise within the service. Based on your profile information, you may receive direct communication from NIS to take further action,” reads information on their website.

NIS takes pride in being an equal opportunity employer seeking to recruit the most qualified candidates for a job opening. Nonetheless, they recruit Kenyans regularly from various professional backgrounds as well as those with skills and technical abilities.

The agency actively recruits Kenyans who hold certificates, diplomas or undergraduate qualifications.

Certificate Trainees

1. Candidates must be aged between 20-26 years
2. Must possess a valid KCSE certificate with a minimum mean grade of D+ or its equivalent
3. Must have a Certificate from a recognized institution covering at least 6 months of study
4. Must be a Kenyan citizen without criminal record
5. Must be physically fit.

Diploma Trainees

1. Candidates must be aged between 20-30 years
2. Must possess a valid KCSE certificate with a minimum mean grade of C (plain) or its equivalent
3. Must have a college Diploma, earned at least 18 months ago from a recognized institution
4. Must be a Kenyan citizen without criminal record
5. Must be physically fit.

Graduate Trainees

1. Candidates must be aged between 22-31 years
2. Must possess a valid KCSE certificate with a minimum mean grade of C+ or its equivalent
3. Must have a Degree from a recognized institution
4. Must be a Kenyan citizen without criminal record
5. Must be physically fit.

Joining requirements, roles of GSU Recce Squad vs Kenya Defence Forces

NIS Recruitment

The agency does not require job seekers to make any payment at any stage of the recruitment process. To successfully submit a profile, follow these steps:

1. If you don’t have an NIS Career Portal account, proceed to NIS to create a profile. You will receive login details in your email account.
2. If you already have an NIS Career Portal account, please proceed to the login page to check/update your profile.
3. To successfully create your profile, attach the following documents:

• National ID (Mandatory)
• Passport photo image (Mandatory)
• University/College/Tertiary education completion certificate(s)-(Mandatory)
• O-Level School completion certificate (Mandatory)
• O-Level School leaving certificate(Optional)

Remember, when applying to join the NIS, you won’t be charged any fees at any stage, be it application, interview, processing, or training.

They conduct thorough background checks on all candidates, looking into criminal records, financial history, and personal associations to ensure suitability for the intelligence field.

Once you’re in, you’ll undergo training to gain the skills and knowledge needed for intelligence operations.

Salary details aren’t always easy to find as intelligence agencies operate under strict confidentiality and security measures.

For the most accurate details about the National Intelligence Service’s pay scales, it is advisable to contact the relevant agency directly or check other official sources.