NATIONAL CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS ACADEMY
Where Skill Meets Justice. Where Training Solves Crime.
At the heart of every successfully resolved criminal case is a highly trained investigator—skilled, disciplined, and relentless in the pursuit of truth. Behind that investigator stands the National Criminal Investigations Academy (NCIA)—the backbone of criminal justice in Kenya and a premier center of excellence for investigative training and research in the region.
As a flagship formation under the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), NCIA is more than just a training institution. It is a transformative hub where investigative expertise is built, innovation is nurtured, and the future of criminal justice is shaped.
Our Identity
NCIA is dedicated to the mission of developing elite investigators capable of unravelling the most complex crimes. Our mandate is clear: to empower the guardians of justice with unmatched investigative competence, grounded in science, law, and field-tested methodologies.
We believe that every investigator trained here carries the promise of justice for victims, accountability for offenders, and security for society.
Unrivalled Training Environment
Our cutting-edge facilities are designed to replicate real-world investigative settings and create a robust, hands-on learning experience. These include:
- Modern Lecture Theatres equipped for interactive instruction
- Forensic Laboratories for practical crime analysis
- Investigative Interview & Statement Recording Rooms for simulation-based training
- Indoor and Outdoor Crime Scene Simulation Grounds that reflect diverse case scenarios
- A State-of-the-Art Auditorium for conferences and knowledge exchange
- Expansive Sports Grounds promoting physical fitness and discipline
Here, learning is immersive, engaging, and real—anchored in theory and elevated through practice.
Our Courses
Training Programmes
Our programmes are research-driven, experiential, and aligned with international standards. Courses are delivered by seasoned investigators and criminal justice experts.
Key Training Areas:
- Basic and Advanced criminal investigations courses
- Digital and Cybercrime Investigations courses
- Basic and advanced Fraud investigation courses
- Basic and Advanced Anti-Narcotic Courses
- Basic and Advanced Criminal Intelligence Course
- Homicide investigation Course
- Forensic investigation Course
- Senior Criminal Investigation Management Course
- Counter-Terrorism investigation course
- Anti-Human Trafficking and smuggling of migrants investigation course
- Financial Investigations course
- Sexually Gender Based Violence Investigation Course
- Violent extremism Investigation Course
- Transnational Organized Crime Investigation Course
Courses are delivered by seasoned practitioners, forensic scientists, legal experts, and career investigators with decades of frontline experience.
Research & Innovation
NCIA serves as a research hub for emerging trends in crime, criminal behavior, and investigative science.
Research Focus Areas:
- Emerging Patterns in Cybercrime
- Behavioral Profiling in Violent Crimes
- Evidence Handling and Chain of Custody
- Organized Crime and Transnational Threats
- Human Factors in Investigative Effectiveness
Mentorship beyond the Classroom
Beyond structured instruction, NCIA thrives on mentorship. Senior investigators and subject-matter experts offer continuous guidance, instilling values of integrity, resilience, and ethical conduct in the next generation of investigators.
Our graduates don’t just complete training—they join a community, a tradition, and a lifelong network of professional excellence.
Impact without Borders
NCIA’s influence extends far beyond its walls. Our alumni form the backbone of national and regional investigative efforts, leading landmark investigations and setting the standard in criminal justice practice. As crime evolves, so do we—constantly adapting, innovating, and driving investigative excellence.
NCIA: Where Investigations Begin and Justice Prevails
Whether you are a recruit, a seasoned officer, or a partner agency seeking collaboration—NCIA is your destination for credible, practical, and future-ready investigative training.
Partner with us at the National Criminal Investigations Academy—where every case solved begins with the right training.
Alumni Impact:
Our graduates lead investigations in key national and regional agencies, contributing to justice, security, and public confidence. The NCIA alumni network is a growing community of professionals united by a shared commitment to excellence.
Training Categories:
- Basic Investigation Courses – For beginners
- Advanced and Specialized Courses – For experienced investigators
- Senior Management and Strategic Oversight Courses – For command-level officers
- Regional and International Collaborations – Cross-border training on transnational crime
Training reach
We are open to train regional criminal investigation courses &workshops, all ministries, Counties, Departments and agencies (MCDAs), NGOs, Private Organizations and any other institution that would to train its staff to the highest standard investigations.
Note: We specialize exclusively in group training programmes to ensure collaborative learning and maximum impact.
Our Partners Include:
- National Police Service & DCI Departments
- Judiciary and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
- Regional Law Enforcement Bodies
- International Criminal Justice Institutions, including GIZ, BKA, UNODC, ICJ, IOM, EU, FBI, ATA, ICITAP among others.
- Academic and Research Institutions
- Military Police- KDF
- Kenya Bureuau of Stardards - KEBS
- Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development – KICD
- Communication Authority - CA
- Kenya Power and Lightining Company - KPLC
- Kenya Revenue Authority - KRA
- Directorate of Immigration
- Ethics & Anti-corruption Commission - EACC
- KENGEN
- Office of Data Protection Commission - ODPC
- Anti- Counterfeit Authority –ACA among others
Vision
To be a world class centre of excellence in investigative skills training and research.
Mission
To offer quality and professional investigative training and other related disciplines for competitive competences among police officers in NPS and other government institutions
The main functions of the centre are to;
- Offer technical and professional training on criminal intelligence and investigations
- Monitor and evaluate training programs
- Create a platform for experience sharing
- Conduct research on emerging crimes and share information
Commandant’s Mandate:
- Efficient management and administration of the NCIA
- Training of all police officers on criminal investigations
- Development of relevant criminal investigation courses and programs for the academy and other police institutions
- The provision of liaison services for the DCI/Police and other training institutions
- The provision of prudent financial management practices to ensure financial accountability
- The provision of relevant investigation or security training courses to other government / parastatals/ organizations
Courses Offered:
- Induction Course
- Basic Fraud Investigation
- Basic Anti-narcotic course
- Basic Forensic Investigation course
- Basic intelligence course
- Basic Crime Investigation course
- Homicide Investigation Course
- Forensic Finger Prints Course
- Advanced crime investigation course
- Sub County Criminal Investigation Officer’s(S.C.C.I.O)
- Crime Management Course
- National Police Service & DCI Departments
- Judiciary and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
- Regional Law Enforcement Bodies
- International Criminal Justice Institutions, including GIZ, BKA, UNODC, ICJ, IOM, EU, FBI, ATA, ICITAP among others.
- Academic and Research Institutions
- Military Police- KDF
- Kenya Bureuau of Stardards - KEBS
- Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development – KICD
- Communication Authority - CA
- Kenya Power and Lightining Company - KPLC
- Kenya Revenue Authority - KRA
- Directorate of Immigration
- Ethics & Anti-corruption Commission - EACC
- KENGEN
- Office of Data Protection Commission - ODPC
- Anti- Counterfeit Authority –ACA among others
“The beginning of these trainings marks the birth of something beautiful. From the time, we reported here, we were warmly welcomed in the institution and settled down to begin the training. Throughout the two weeks we’ve had with the instructors, Course participants have gained immense knowledge and skills. During the official opening ceremony, the director training DCI encouraged partnership between ACA and DCI in addressing the counterfeit menace.
The Director DCI Mr. Amin Mohamed emphasized on integrity and commitment in investigation to unravel the crime of counterfeiting. He reminded us that the expectation of government in the fight against counterfeiting are very highly captured in the Kenya kwanza manifesto. The course men and women present are following the footsteps of our CEO Dr.Robi Mbugua who attended training in advanced investigations course in this premier institution. We are privileged to be the first cohort to undertake this training and we sincerely thank our ED for the facilitation.
In addition, we thank in very special way the academy commandant and her team of instructors for successfully training us which as promised in her remarks during the opening ceremony was conducted similarly to that of the police as it included instilling of discipline to the participants. Of importance to note are critical areas of investigations covered in the course which range from; Crime prevention strategies, Crime scene management, Statement recording and handling of witnesses, Exhibit management, Procedure of trial, Stress management in the work place and Customer care and public relations among others.
This has prepared us to be better investigators than when we came to the academy. The benefits of this training will be seen as the graduands take the fight against counterfeiting to the next level.
The officers have been engaged in morning physical training and are leaving this place ready to tackle counterfeiters with renewed energy. We have greatly interacted with our instructors and formed strong networks which I believe shall be maintained.
We enjoyed the mess services where we were always served with delicious indigenous food and all the facilities accessible for fitness including, swimming, aerobics and stadium for outdoor activities.