The establishment, development, and growth of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), now known as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), are deeply rooted in the history of the Kenya Police. The DCI remains one of the key formations within the National Police Service, playing a critical role in maintaining law and order in Kenya.
Historical Background
The origins of the Kenya Police date back to 1887, when the Imperial British East Africa Company (I.B.E.A.) recruited the first police officers to provide security for their stores in Mombasa. This marked the humble beginnings of what would later become the Kenya Police.
In 1906, the Kenya Police was formally established through the Police Ordnance. Initially, the police force was organized along military lines, with training focused on military tactics. However, in 1907, the then Governor, Sir Hayes Saddler, appointed a committee to review the Kenya Police Force’s operations. One of the committee’s key recommendations was the establishment of a Police Training School in Nairobi.
By 1909, Captain W.F.S. Edwards, the Colonial Head of Police, observed that the military focus had overshadowed proper police training. As a result, a training depot was established in Nairobi in 1911, alongside a small fingerprint section.
The First World War (1914-1918) interrupted the development of the police force, as officers were deployed for military service. After the war, the Kenya Police underwent significant reorganization, including increased personnel and improved administrative and residential facilities.
Establishment of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID)
In 1926, the Criminal Intelligence Unit was established. Its primary role was to collect, tabulate, and record data on criminals, suspicious persons, and undesirables. Over time, the unit expanded to include Intelligence, Crime, Passport, Immigration, and the existing Fingerprint sections.
In 1935, the CID moved to new offices at the Law Courts (now the site of the Supreme Court), previously located near the Serena Hotel. To enhance its investigative capabilities, the CID Training School was established in 1957.
The department relocated to Kilimani Headquarters along Valley Road in 1975 and later moved to its current premises at the Mazingira Complex off Kiambu Road in 2003.
Transition to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
The promulgation of the 2010 Constitution marked a significant milestone in Kenya’s policing history. The National Police Service Act of 2011 formally established the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) as an independent entity under Article 247 of the Constitution.
The DCI’s mandate, as outlined in Part V, Sections 28 and 35 of the Act, includes:
- Investigating and preventing crime.
- Collecting and analyzing criminal intelligence.
- Maintaining criminal records.
- Collaborating with other law enforcement agencies.
Leadership of the DCI
The DCI has been led by a series of distinguished directors who have contributed to its growth and development. Below is a list of past and present leaders:
Mr. Mohamed I. Amin, CBS, OGW, ndc(K)
Current Director (2022–Present)
Mr. George M. Kinoti, CBS
Director (2018–2022)
Mr. Francis N. Muhoro, CBS, ndc(K)
Director (August 2010–January 2018)
Mr. Simon K. Gatiba, EBS, OGW, ndc(K)
Director (November 2006–May 2010)
Mr. Joseph M. Kamau, CBS, S/DCP I
Director (2004–2006)
Mr. Daniel T. Ndung’u, EBC, DSM, S/DCP.II
Director (2003–2004)
Mr. Francis K. Sang, S/DCP I
Director (1999–2003)
Mr. Noah N. Too, S/DCP
Director (1984–1999)
Mr. Ignatius Nderi, D.C.P
Director (1974–1984)
Mr. Peter O. Ochieng, S/ACP
Director (1965–1974)
Mr. Thomas P. McBrierley, S/ACP
Director (1960–1965)
Contact Information
Directorate of Criminal Investigations
Mazingira Complex, Kiambu Road, Nairobi
Opposite Forestry Department Headquarters, Karura
P.O. Box 30036 – 00100 Nairobi
Tel: +254 020 7202000
Email: [email protected]
Conclusion
The DCI has evolved from its humble beginnings in 1887 to become a modern, professional, and independent investigative body. Its rich history, coupled with the leadership of dedicated directors, has positioned it as a cornerstone of Kenya’s criminal justice system. The DCI continues to uphold its mandate of ensuring safety, security, and justice for all Kenyans.
