The U.S. Secret Service has left tongues wagging after it announced it was offering over KSh 7 million (USD 60,000) as a bonus to candidates interested in joining the elite security team.

In massive billboards displayed in DC, the agency announced it was seeking applicants for roles such as Special Agents, Uniformed Officers, and Special Operations Agents.

The eye-catching bonuses, separate from salaries and benefits, have raised questions about whether the agency was struggling to attract qualified candidates in a competitive job market.

Another thing that has sparked curiosity on the billboard is the choice of models used. In the foreground of a picture, a mean-faced Black male agent in a crisp suit stands while in the background, it is a female agent.

She stands guard near The Beast (the U.S. president’s official vehicle), and behind her is Air Force One, also the official fixed-wing plane for POTUS’s air travel.

Below are some of the sections accepting recruits, their qualifications, and the perks they are offering:

Police officer (uniformed division)

Bonus: Qualified applicants may receive a total of $50,000 (about KSh 6,450,000), paid in four installments over four years, subject to successful training completion and satisfactory job performance.

Duties include safeguarding facilities and locations secured for U.S. Secret Service protectees, ensuring security at the White House, the Vice President’s residence, and foreign diplomatic missions in Washington, D.C.

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Requirements:

• U.S. citizenship
• Minimum age of 21 at the time of application
• Valid driver’s license
• Meeting specific vision and physical fitness criteria

Special agent

Recruitment bonus: Qualified candidates may be eligible for a $40,000 bonus (approximately KSh 5,160,000), paid in three installments over three years, based on training completion and performance.

Key responsibilities include conducting investigations related to financial crimes, cybercrimes, and threats against protectees. Providing protection to national and visiting foreign dignitaries.

Qualifications:

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Must be between 21 and 37 years old at the time of appointment.
• Possess a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
• Willingness to travel extensively and relocate as needed.

Additional perks:

• Potential tuition reimbursement for qualifying student loans up to $60,000 (approximately KSh 7,740,000)
• Eligibility for up to $10,000 (approximately KSh 1,290,000) per year in tuition assistance for academic degree programs that meet the needs of the Secret Service.

Specialized Units (K9, Counter Sniper, Emergency Response Team, Counter Assault Team, HAMMER)

Recruitment Bonus: Applicants selected for these specialized roles may receive a $60,000 bonus (approximately KSh 7,740,000), distributed over four years after the successful completion of specialized training and performance.

Key responsibilities:

• The K9 unit is tasked with handling and working alongside trained detection dogs to secure environments.
• The Counter Sniper Team provides long-range precision shooting capabilities to protectees.
• The Emergency Response Team (ERT) responds swiftly to security incidents and threats.
• The Counter Assault Team (CAT) specializes in countering assaults directed at protectees during transit.
• The Hazardous Agent Mitigation and Medical Emergency Response (HAMMER) team manages hazardous agents and provides medical emergency responses.

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Qualifications:

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Specific age and education requirements vary by position.
• Completion of specialized training programs.
• Demonstrated physical fitness and proficiency relevant to the specialized role.

While billboards and bonuses may seem atypical for federal hiring, they reflect broader efforts to modernize recruitment. In some parts of Kenya, it is not uncommon for candidates to offer huge bribes to get even lower-paying security jobs.

Some people have even been arrested for offering bribes that are equal to or even higher than the bonuses dangled by the U.S. Secret Service.

The Ministry of Interior has, however, stated that it has installed measures to stem the menace of fraudulent recruitment practices, with the military and Kenya National Police bearing the biggest brunt.