National Intelligence Service (Kenya)

Intelligence agency of Kenya

National Intelligence ServiceHuduma ya Ujasusi ya Kitaifa

Emblem of the NSIS

Agency overview
Formed| Act of Parliament
31 December 1998
Preceding agencies|

* Special Branch (SB)
* Directorate of Security Intelligence (DSI)
* National Security Intelligence Service (NSIS)

Headquarters| Maruruis, Nairobi,
Kenya
Motto| Apti Parati Fideles[1](English: "Capable, Available and Reliable")
Employees| Classified
Annual budget| Classified[2]
Agency executive|

* Noordin Mohamed Haji, Director-General

Parent agency|  Kenya

National Intelligence Service (Kenya) (NIS; Swahili: Huduma ya Ujasusi ya Kitaifa) which was previously known as the National Security Intelligence Service (NSIS)[3] is both the (national) domestic and foreign intelligence agency of Kenya. It had its origins in "Special Branch" a department of the national police that was created in 1952 under the British administration.[4] Among other things it provided intelligence during the Mau Mau rebellion.[4]

## History

[edit]

### 19th-century Kenyan intelligence

[edit]

The Nandi, on hearing of the British, sought to attack them. On the other hand, the Kamba people responded differently to the British as they had traversed the central and coastal areas as long-distance traders during which they gathered information for their leaders.[5]

British colonialists recruited mercenaries as porters and guides. First, the mercenaries provided information, but later, they served as community chiefs, displacing traditional leaders. This meant that most of those who became chiefs were opportunists.

Later the government of the Kenya Protectorate began intelligence gathering which is shown in the timeline below.

## Timeline/progress

[edit]

* The colonial system did not destroy existing networks, but used them to build a new intelligence system. The colonial government initially gathered information from tourists, missionaries and traders, but after 1895 gathered information at the local level through commissioners and retainers, including from African allies and collaborators. From 1906, intelligence reports were submitted to the Commissioner of the East Africa Protectorate.[5]
* The British East African Police was established in 1892, and for 18 years gathered intelligence. During World War One, the focus of intelligence gathering changed from African affairs to information on enemy activities in neighbouring countries. African agents were recruited, and tapped telegraphic communications, tracked the enemy, and visited other African workers to gather information. Coastal traders engaged in counter-intelligence.

### Special Branch (SB)

[edit]

* In 1926 a Criminal Investigations Division was created, staffed by colonists, and involving a Special Branch responsible for intelligence.[6]
* In the post-World War Two period until 1963, the SB's activities expanded from the collection of intelligence on criminal activities to investigation of citizens agitating for independence and the trade union movement. The SB also expanded to combat the Mau Mau insurgency and was reorganised following intelligence failures.
* The post-independence government inherited an intelligence mentality that used force to ensure compliance. After 1965, police and intelligence services became politicised and linked to individuals. By 1982, the police force (including the SB) had become a tool of oppression, systematically abusing the law and disregarding the Constitution.
* In 1998, however, the National Security Intelligence Service was created, and over 170 SB officers were purged from the NSIS. In 1999, the NSIS and the police were separated, arrest authority was removed from the NSIS, and a tribunal was established for complaints against the intelligence service.

### Kenyan independence/Directorate of Security Intelligence (DSI)

[edit]

In 1963 with independence approaching Special Branch was made independent from the police and in 1969 it was given a new charter.[4] It wasn't until 1986 that it was transformed into the Directorate of Security Intelligence (DSI).[4]

### National Security Intelligence Service

[edit]

In 1998, a new act of Parliament in Kenya established the National Security Intelligence Service (NSIS) to replace the former Directorate of Security Intelligence which at the time was still colloquially known as "Special Branch".[7] The first director general (DG)[8] of the new service was retired Brigadier Wilson A.C. Boinett who served until 2006, when he was replaced with Major-General Michael Gichangi.[4] In January 2011 Gichangi was appointed to a second five-year term.[9] However, Gichangi did not complete his term and resigned his position in August 2014 citing personal reasons. His replacement, Major-General Philip Kameru then serving as the head of military intelligence, was appointed in September after vetting by the National Assembly.[10]

NSIS's intelligence gathering work includes: internal, external and strategic intelligence. The NSIS is charged with identifying conditions that threaten Kenya's political, economic and social stability. It develops techniques and strategies to neutralise such threats. The NSIS director is the national security advisor to the president of Kenya.[4]

The NSIS was relocated from the notorious offices of Special Branch at Nyati House to new headquarters on the outskirts of the city, near the Windsor Golf and Country Hotel. In April 1999, the Moi government appointed Mrs. Pamela Mboya, the former Permanent representative to the Habitat, to head a Committee that was charged with formulating a scheme of service for NSIS officers.[11]

Security of tenure given to the Director General of NSIS is designed to protect him from such abuse by members of the governing elite. He has the opportunity to say 'no' to any unlawful or sectarian instructions from his bosses without fear of losing his job.[12]

### National Intelligence Service

[edit]

The NSIS was briefly renamed National Security Intelligence Service (NSIS) and then to National Intelligence Service (NIS) its current name.[3]

## Mission

[edit]

The National Intelligence Service in Kenya is concerned with:[13]

* Detecting and Identifying any potential threat to Kenya
* Advising the President and Government of any security threat to Kenya
* Taking steps to protect the security interests of Kenya whether political, military, or economic.
* Vetting people that may hold positions that require security clearance.

## Divisions

[edit]

NIS is divided into seven sections:[11]

* 1\. Administration under the director of administration,
* 2\. Information technology under the director of information technology
* 3\. Internal intelligence under the director of internal intelligence
* 4\. External intelligence under the director of external intelligence
* 5\. Analysis & production under the director of economic affairs
* 6\. Operations under the director of operations
* 7\. National Intelligence Academy under its own director

## See also

[edit]

* Criminal Investigation Department

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Mwenda Njoka (21 January 2006). "How Two Terror Attacks Were Planned And Executed". allAfrica. Nairobi. Daily Nation. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
2. ^ "Spy agency retains veil of secrecy on its spending plan". 24 December 2020.
3. ^ a b PLC, Standard Group. "The Standard – Breaking News, Kenya News, World News and Videos". The Standard. Retrieved 28 May 2021.
4. ^ a b c d e f "NSIS Historical Background". National Security Intelligence Service. 2006. Archived from the original on 22 December 2007.
5. ^ a b "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 September 2011. Retrieved 15 August 2013.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
6. ^ "Security Sector Reform research : The Origins of the Intelligence System of Kenya". Archived from the original on 8 March 2014. Retrieved 16 August 2013.
7. ^ Njau, Mutegi (29 March 1999). "New intelligence body will be service oriented". Daily Nation. Nairobi, Kenya. Archived from the original on 18 May 2000.
8. ^ Githinji (30 November 2020). "Director-General of National Intelligence Service in Kenya". AfroCave. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
9. ^ Leftie, Peter (23 September 2011). "Kenya: MPs to Vet Nominees for Spy Agency Top Job". Daily Nation. Nairobi, Kenya.
10. ^ "Constitutions of Kenya – National Intelligence Service". ustawi.info.ke. Retrieved 28 May 2021.
11. ^ a b "Kenya – Intelligence". Federation of American Scientists. Archived from the original on 15 June 2004.
12. ^ PLC, Standard Group. "The Standard – Breaking News, Kenya News, World News and Videos". The Standard. Retrieved 28 May 2021.
13. ^ Githinji (20 January 2020). "Functions of the National Intelligence Service in Kenya". AfroCave. Retrieved 25 September 2021.

* v
* t
* e

National intelligence agencies

Foreign
intelligence|

* Afghanistan: GDI
* Albania: SHISH
* Algeria: DRS
* Angola: SIE
* Argentina: SIDE
* Armenia: NSS
* Austria: HNaA
* Australia: ASIS
* Azerbaijan: XKX
* Bahrain: NSA
* Bangladesh: NSI
* Belarus: KGB RB
* Belgium: ADIV/SGRS
* Bosnia and Herzegovina: OSA-OBA
* Botswana: DIS
* Brazil: ABIN
* Brunei: BRD
* Bulgaria: DAR
* Cameroon: BMM
* Canada: CSIS
* Chad: ANS
* Chile: ANI
* China: MSS
* Congo (Democratic Republic of): ANR
* Croatia: SOA
* Cuba: DI
* Czech Republic: ÚZSI
* Denmark: FE
* Djibouti: BSRG
* Ecuador: SENAIN
* Egypt: Mukhabarat
* Estonia: EFIS
* Ethiopia: NISS
* Finland: Supo
* France: DGSE
* Gambia: SIS
* Georgia: GIS
* Germany: BND
* Ghana: BNI, BGU, RDU
* Greece: EYP
* Hungary: IH
* India: RAW
* Indonesia: BIN
* Iran: VAJA
* Iraq: INIS
* Ireland: G2
* Israel: Mossad
* Italy: AISE
* Ivory Coast: NSC
* Japan: CIRO
* Jordan: GID
* Kazakhstan: Syrbar
* Kenya: NIS
* Kyrgyzstan: UKMK
* Kuwait: KSS
* Latvia: SAB
* Liberia: NSA
* Lithuania: VSD
* Lebanon: GDGS
* Libya: MJ
* Malaysia: MEIO
* Mexico: CISEN
* Moldova: SIS
* Mongolia: GIA
* Montenegro: ANB
* Morocco: DGED
* Mozambique: SISE
* Netherlands: AIVD
* New Zealand: NZSIS
* Nigeria: NIA
* North Korea: RGB
* North Macedonia: ANB
* Norway: E-tjenesten
* Oman: Palace Office
* Pakistan: ISI
* Palestine: GIS
* Papua New Guinea: NIO
* Philippines: NICA
* Poland: AW
* Portugal: SIED
* Qatar: QSS
* Romania: SIE
* Russia: SVR
* Saudi Arabia: GIP
* Serbia: BIA
* Sierra Leone: CISU
* Singapore: SID
* Slovakia: SIS
* Slovenia: SOVA
* Somalia: NISA
* South Africa: SSA
* South Korea: NIS
* Spain: CNI
* Sri Lanka: SIS
* Sudan: GIS
* Sweden: KSI
* Switzerland: NDB
* Syria: GIS
* Taiwan: NSB
* Tajikistan: GKNB
* Tanzania: TISS
* Thailand: NIA
* Togo: NIA
* Tunisia: TIA
* Turkey: MİT
* Turkmenistan: MNS
* Uganda: ESO
* Ukraine: SZRU
* United Arab Emirates: SIA
* United Kingdom: SIS (MI6)
* United States: CIA
* Uzbekistan: SSS
* Vietnam: TC2

Domestic
intelligence|

* Afghanistan: GDI
* Algeria: CSS
* Angola: SINSE
* Argentina: SIDE
* Armenia: NSS
* Australia: ASIO
* Austria: DSN
* Azerbaijan: DTX
* Bangladesh: SB
* Belarus: KGB RB
* Belgium: VS/SE
* Bosnia and Herzegovina: SIPA
* Botswana: DIS
* Brazil: PF
* Brunei: IRD
* Bulgaria: DANS
* Burundi: SNR
* Canada: CSIS
* Chad: DGSSIE
* Chile: ANI
* China: MSS
* Colombia: DNI
* Congo (Democratic Republic of): ANR
* Croatia: SOA
* Czech Republic: BIS
* Denmark: PET
* Egypt: NSA
* Estonia: KAPO
* Finland: SUPO
* France: DGSI
* Georgia: SSSG
* Germany: BfV, LfV
* Ghana: GPS, CID
* Greece: EYP
* Hong Kong: NSD, CPGNSO
* Hungary: AH
* India: IB
* Indonesia: Baintelkam Polri (id), BIN
* Iran: VAJA, IRGC, PAVA
* Ireland: CSB, SDU, NSU
* Israel: Shin Bet
* Italy: AISI
* Japan: NPA, TMPD PSB, PSIA
* Kazakhstan: NSC
* Kenya: NIS
* Kosovo: AKI
* Latvia: VDD
* Lithuania: STT
* Lebanon: ISF IB, LSS
* Luxembourg: SREL
* Macau: DS
* Malaysia: SB
* Moldova: SIS
* Morocco: DGST
* Netherlands: NCTV
* New Zealand: NZSIS
* Nigeria: SSS
* North Korea: SSD
* North Macedonia: IA
* Norway: PST
* Oman: ISS
* Pakistan: IB, FIA
* Palestine: PPS
* Paraguay: SNI
* Peru: DINI
* Philippines: NBI, NICA
* Poland: ABW, SOP, SM
* Portugal: SIS
* Romania: SRI
* Russia: FSB
* Saudi Arabia: Mabahith
* Serbia: BIA
* Singapore: ISD
* Somalia: NISA
* South Africa: SSA
* South Korea: Intelligence Bureau, KNPA
* Spain: CITCO
* Sri Lanka: SIS
* Sweden: SÄPO
* Switzerland: NDB
* Syria: GIS
* Taiwan: MJIB
* Thailand: ISOC, SB
* Togo: ANR
* Turkey: MİT, İB
* Uganda: ISO
* Ukraine: SBU
* United Kingdom: Security Service (MI5), NDEDIU, NCA, NBIS
* United States: I&A (DHS), ID (HSI), IB (FBI), ONSI (DEA), OSII (ATF)
* Uzbekistan: SNB
* Venezuela: SEBIN
* Vietnam: TC5 (vi)
* Zimbabwe: CIO

Military
intelligence|

* Algeria: DCSA
* Angola: SIM
* Australia: DIO
* Austria: HNaA
* Bangladesh: DGFI
* Belarus: GRU MO RB
* Belgium: ADIV/SGRS
* Brazil: DIE
* Canada: CFINTCOM
* Chad: DGSSIE
* China: CMC JSD Intelligence Bureau
* Congo (Democratic Republic of): DEMIAP
* Croatia: VSOA
* Cuba: DCIM
* Czech Republic: VZ
* Denmark: FE
* Egypt: DMISR
* Finland: PE TIEDOS
* France: DRM, DGSE
* Germany: MAD
* Ghana: MIU
* Hungary: KNBSZ
* Iran: General Staff, SAHEFAJA, SAHEFASA, SAHEFAVEDJA
* India: DMI, DIA
* Indonesia: BAIS TNI, Pusintelad
* Ireland: G2
* Israel: Aman
* Italy: CII
* Japan: DIH
* Kazakhstan: NSC
* Lithuania: AOTD
* Malaysia: DIO
* Maldives: MNDF
* Morocco: DB
* Myanmar: Sa Ya Pa
* Netherlands: MIVD
* New Zealand: DDIS
* Nigeria: DIA
* North Korea: RGB
* North Macedonia: MSSI
* Norway: E-tjenesten
* Pakistan: MI, NI, AI
* Palestine: MIS
* Philippines: ISAFP
* Poland: SKW, SWW
* Portugal: CISMIL
* Romania: DGIA
* Russia: GRU
* Saudi Arabia: AFISC
* Serbia: VBA, VOA
* Singapore: MIO
* Slovakia: VS
* Slovenia: OVS
* South Africa: SANDF-ID
* South Korea: DIA, DCC
* Spain: CIFAS
* Sri Lanka: DMI
* Sweden: MUST
* Switzerland: MND, LWND
* Syria: MI, AFID
* Taiwan: MIB
* Thailand: AFSC
* Turkey: GENKUR İ.D.B.
* Ukraine: HUR MO
* United Kingdom: DI
* United States: DIA
* ONI
* MIC
* USAFI
* MCI
* CGI
* NSIC
* Venezuela: DGCIM
* Vietnam: TC2

Signals
intelligence|

* Australia: ASD
* Bangladesh: NTMC
* Brazil: 2ª Sch/EMD
* Canada: CSE
* China: SIGINT
* Croatia: OTC
* Ethiopia: INSA
* Finland: PVTIEDL
* France: DGSE, DRSD
* Germany: BND
* Ghana: RDU
* India: JCB, NTRO
* Indonesia: BSSN (id)
* Ireland: CIS
* Israel: 8200
* Japan: DIH
* Kazakhstan: NSC
* Netherlands: NSO, JSCU
* New Zealand: GCSB
* North Korea: RGB
* Norway: NSM
* Pakistan: JSIB
* Poland: AW, ABW, SKW, SWW, NCBC, gOR 3.FO, CRiWWRE, 2.ORel, 6.ORel, JW NIL
* Romania: STS
* Russia: Spetssvyaz
* Saudi Arabia: PSS
* South Africa: SSA
* Spain: CCN
* Sweden: FRA
* Switzerland: NDB
* Syria: MI
* Turkey: MİT-SİB
* UAE: SIA
* Ukraine: Derzhspetszviazok
* United Kingdom: GCHQ
* United States: NSA

Imagery
intelligence|

* Australia: AGO
* Finland: PVTIEDL
* India: DAI
* Indonesia: BIG
* Israel: Air Intelligence Group
* Malaysia: MaCGDI
* New Zealand: GEOINT NZ
* Poland: AW, SWW, ORO, 12.BBSP, JW NIL
* Pakistan: Air Intelligence
* Philippines: NMARSC
* Portugal: CIGeoE
* Russia: TsVTI GRU
* United Kingdom: DGIFC
* United States: NGA

Financial
intelligence|

* Argentina: UIF
* Australia: AUSTRAC
* Azerbaijan: MMX
* Bangladesh: FIU
* Brazil: COAF
* Canada: FINTRAC
* China: MPSECIB [zh]
* Fiji: FIU
* France: Tracfin, DNRED
* Iceland: SR
* India: CEIB
* Indonesia: PPATK
* Ireland: GNECB
* Italy: UIF
* Lithuania (FNTT)
* Malta: FIAU
* Mexico: UIF
* Netherlands: FIOD
* Poland: GIIF, SCS, CBA
* Qatar: FIU
* Russia: Rosfinmonitoring
* Saudi Arabia: GDOFI
* Spain: SVA, SEPBLAC
* Turkey: MASAK
* United Kingdom: NCA
* United States: IRS-CI, TFI
* FinCEN
* OIA
* Vatican: ASIF

Criminal
intelligence|

* Argentina: DNIC
* Australia: ACIC
* Bangladesh: CID
* Canada: CISC
* Finland: NBI
* India: CBI
* Indonesia: Baintelkam Polri (id)
* Italy: DIA, DIGOS
* Philippines: NBI, PNP-IG
* Poland: BWiIK KGP, CBŚP, ZOŚ KGSG, ZK KGŻW
* Romania:  DGPI
* South Africa: Crime Intelligence Division
* Spain: CGI, SIGC, CGPJ, UCO
* United Kingdom: NCA
* United States: IB (FBI), ONSI (DEA), OSII (ATF), ID (HSI)

Intelligence
community|

* Antigua and Barbuda
* Australia
* Bangladesh
* Croatia
* France
* India
* Israel
* Italy
* New Zealand
* Pakistan
* Russia
* United Kingdom
* United States

Intelligence
alliances|

* Club de Berne
* Five Eyes
* Maximator
* Egmont Group

Defunct
agencies|

* Fascist Italy: OVRA
* Gaddafi Libya: Mukhabarat el-Jamahiriya
* Imperial Japan: Tokko
* Ming Dynasty: Embroidered Uniform Guard, Eastern Depot, Western Depot [zh], Internal Depot [zh]
* Prussia: Prussian Secret Police
* Republic of China: NBIS
* Nazi Germany: Gestapo, Sicherheitsdienst
* Soviet Union: NKVD, KGB
* United Kingdom: DMI
* United States: Office of Strategic Services
* Wang Jingwei regime: Jessfield 76 [zh; de; ja]
* Yugoslavia: KOS

Related
topics|

* Espionage (List of intelligence agencies)
* Leaks
* Diplomatic cable leaks
* NSA leaks
* CIA leaks
* Great Firewall of China
* Mass surveillance in China
* Law enforcement
* Interpol
* Security agency
* Surveillance
* Big Brother
* Call detail record
* Carnivore
* Dishfire
* ECHELON
* PRISM
* Stone Ghost
* Turbulence (NSA programme)
* National security
* Surveillance issues in smart cities

* Border guard
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* Customs
* Law enforcement agency
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Authority control databases |

* Yale LUX

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