The Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji has been nominated as the new director-general of the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

Haji takes over from Major-General (Rtd) Philip Wachira Kameru, who has served in the position since September 2014.

In a statement, the government chief of staff and head of public service Felix Kosgei termed the outgoing director general as an outstanding leader who has helped the country make major strides in the fight against terrorism, transnational crimes and other major threats to our national and regional security.

“Under Major-General (Rtd) Kameru’s watch, Kenya’s premier civilian intelligence agency has made monumental strides in the fight against terrorism, transnational crimes and other major threats to our national and regional security. Maj-Gen (Rtd) Kameru has been at the forefront of guiding special security assignments and multi-agency coordination that have made Kenya, and indeed the region, more secure,” Kosgei said.

Haji returns to the National Intelligence Service after a six-year sojourn as the Director of Public Prosecutions. Before becoming the nation’s apex public prosecutor, Haji served as the Deputy Director of the Counter Organised Crime Unit within the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

Haji’s educational background

Haji holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and Master of Laws (LL.M) degrees from the University of Wales, Cardiff.

Additionally, he holds a second Master’s Degree in National Security Policy with Merit (MNSPO) from the Australian National University.

Haji was admitted to the Bar in 1999 and thereafter joined the Public Service in January 2000 as a State Counsel at the Attorney General’s Office.

“The President has transmitted the nomination to the National Assembly for consideration by Parliament, in fulfilment of the legal requirements set out under the Constitution and the National Intelligence Service Act,” Kosgei said.