For more than 65 years, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has been a force to reckon with when it comes to maintaining peace in Kenya by combating internal crimes and solving complex criminal cases.

Formerly known as the Criminal Intelligence Unit, it focuses on ensuring justice is served effectively by arresting the right criminals. Notably, it is one of the most risky jobs within the Kenyan forces but rewarding.

Some of the department’s key roles include profiling offenders, providing advisory on crime in the country, and collecting crime data from all over the nation, among others.

They also liaise with other units like the NIS by sharing crime data and identifying crime patterns to ensure a coordinated and informed approach to policing.

Some of the recent changes happening in the DCI under the helm of DCI boss Mohammed Amin include the recruitment of officers to join their Intelligence wing. ‘

The intelligence unit has branches in every county & sub-county working hand in hand with the main office in Nairobi. They have also acquired modern equipment to enhance and streamline operations.

The NCIA is a key part of the Directorate, focusing on training and research. They advocate for law enforcement best practices and are tasked with training officers in matters of investigations within the National Police Service.

To join the institutions training DCI officers, one must meet the following requirements:

Inside Kenya’s DCI Academy, courses offered, location

General Requirements to join DCI in Kenya

1. Only police officers ranked as the chief inspector or lower qualify to apply for DCI vacancies.
2. Must have worked in police service for at least 5 years
3. Prospective National Police Service officers applicants must meet all the following criteria:
   • Hold a minimum KCSE mean grade of C Plain. One must also have a C Plain in English and/or Kiswahili.
   • Hold a degree/diploma in Pure Sciences, Social Sciences, or Applied Sciences like Information Technology.
   • Prove one’s passion for criminal investigation by passing a given test.
4. Certain applicants must be below the age of 40 years.
5. Must have no previously recorded disciplinary case.
6. Having a valid driving license will be an added advantage.

Niche Skills required to join DCI in Kenya

1. Proven professional integrity, maturity, and ability to pay attention to detail.
2. Proven ability to always maintain objectivity on the job. One must be able to apply logical reasoning and plan strategically and tactically.
3. One must have the ability to work under pressure persistently and meet tight deadlines.
4. Strong communication skills, both oral & written as well as good listening skills.
5. Have experience with computers, including presentation software, business intelligence software, word processing software, and the internet.
6. Must be able to independently analyze complex scenarios or large volumes of material and prepare professional reports.
7. Ability to work within a multi-faceted crime investigative team with minimum supervision.
8. Must be skilled at problem-solving, proactive, innovative, and results-oriented.
9. One should be capable of developing and maintaining professional networks.

For those interested in joining the DCI, recruitment is periodically announced to the public

Prospective candidates can apply for the DCI job by downloading the application form from the DCI Kenya portal, filling it in correctly, and uploading it along with their curriculum vitae.