Directorate of Criminal Investigation Recruitment 2025/2026 Application Portal

If you reside in Kenya and would like to apply for the Directorate of Criminal Investigation recruitment 2025/2026 then carefully follow the step by step application process outlined on this page.

Also, we have highlighted the eligibility requirements, qualifications, latest news today, application deadline and other vital information etc.

Overview of the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI)

The Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is a special department within the National Police Service that is responsible for investigating major crimes such as homicide, human trafficking, narcotic crimes, money laundering, terrorism, economic crimes, and cybercrime. 

It was formally established in 1926 as the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and later renamed as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

The DCI operates as one of the three key branches of the National Police Service, the other two which are the Administration Police Service and the Kenya Police Service. 

The Directorate has eight regional offices, 47 county directorate branches, and three specialized formations which are the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), the Kenya Airports Police Unit (KAPU), the DCI Academy, and the Railways Police Unit with more than 297 sub-county offices spread across the country.

It may interest you to also apply for:

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• Kenya Police Recruitment 2025/2026 Dates and Centers, Application Form
• KDF Recruitment 2025/2026 Dates and Centers, Requirements, Portal
• EACC Recruitment 2025/2026 Job Vacancies Portal

Directorate of Criminal Investigation Job Vacancies 2025

Some of the roles that the DCI offers includes:

1. Homicide Investigations which involves specializing in the investigation of murder and related serious crimes.
2. Forensic Analysis which consist of roles within Kenya’s main forensic laboratories, including specialists in:
   1. Fingerprint analysis
   2. DNA analysis
   3. Ballistics and firearms examination
3. Cybercrime and Digital Forensics which includes investigating online fraud, digital identity theft, hacking, and analyzing evidence from computers, mobile devices, and networks.
4. Economic Crimes Investigation which includes focusing on financial crimes such as money laundering, fraud, and corruption.
5. Narcotics and Human Trafficking which are specialized units for investigating crime related to drug and human trafficking.
6. Intelligence Gathering Unit which are roles that are focused on collecting, analyzing, and providing criminal intelligence to prevent and detect crime.
7. Terrorism Investigations involves investigating and preventing terrorist activities.
8. Crime Scene Management consists of officers who are specialized in securing and processing crime scenes to collect evidence.
9. Legal/Prosecution Liaison which are roles involving evaluating how sufficient evidence is, advising on legal procedures, and supporting criminal proceedings.
10. Interpol Coordination which are roles for officers who manage Kenya’s National Central Bureau for Interpol, and coordinate with the international police against trans-national crimes.

Requirements for Directorate of Criminal Investigation Recruitment 2025

If you want to join the officers who are being trained to join DCI, the following are the criteria that you’re expected to meet:

1. Applicants should note that only police officers from the rank of Chief Inspector or below are eligible to apply for DCI positions.
2. Applicants should have at least a minimum of five (5) years of active service in the National Police Service.
3. Interested candidates must also satisfy the following academic and personal qualifications:
   • Applicants should have at least a KCSE mean grade of C plain, including a C in English and/or Kiswahili.
   • Applicants should have a degree or diploma in a relevant field such as Pure Sciences, Social Sciences, or Applied Sciences (for example, Information Technology).
   • Applicants should be able to prove that he/she has a genuine interest and passion for criminal investigation, which will be assessed through a test.
4. All eligible applicants must be under the age of 40 at the time of application.
5. Candidates should have a clean disciplinary record, with no prior cases of misconduct or formal reprimand.

How to Apply for Directorate of Criminal Investigation Jobs 2025

• Go to the registration page 
• Provide your National ID number, phone number, and email address to create an account.
• Applicants should note that this is for general NPS recruitment. Direct entry into the DCI requires being recruited first into a role like police constable or other specialized roles like forensics or cybersecurity expert.
• Log into the portal after successful registration.
• Fill out the application form with your personal details and academic qualifications (KCSE results, etc.).
• Upload required documents (scanned National ID copy, academic certificates, birth certificate, KRA PIN, passport photo).
• Submit the application online
• If shortlisted, you will be invited to a physical recruitment exercise that will be held at the different Sub-County centers across the country on a specific date.
• Here, you will undergo physical fitness tests, medical screening, and vetting of original documents.
• Candidates who are successful will be selected and sent for police training at a specific police college (e.g., Kiganjo)
• Make sure you complete the entire basic police training curriculum.
• Pass out as a fully fledged Police Constable and begin your service by working as a general duty police officer at an assigned post.
• Serve for a period to gain basic experience.
• Then to move into the DCI, show interest in investigative work, ensure you maintain a clean service record, and excel academically/professionally.
• Apply internally for a transfer to the DCI wing when opportunities arise, which may involve further aptitude testing and specialized training at the DCI Academy.

Final Thoughts

Applicants should note that individuals who wish to join the Directorate of Criminal Investigation must first apply and get recruited as general police constables through the NPSC portal and the general recruitment exercise.

After joining the service and completing basic training, officers can then specialize and be transferred to the DCI wing based on their skills, performance, and specific qualifications.

For more information and help, send an email to helpdesk@npsc.go.ke.