The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is a key pillar of Kenya’s internal security and criminal justice system. DCI officers handle complex and high-risk cases ranging from homicide and terrorism to cybercrime, fraud and corruption. Given the intensity and sensitivity of their work, many Kenyans often ask: how much do DCI officers earn in Kenya, and what allowances do they receive?
DCI officers are ranked within the broader framework of the National Police Service (NPS), meaning their pay is determined by rank, experience and responsibility. Recent salary adjustments have brought more clarity and structure to DCI earnings.
DCI salary structure by rank in Kenya
Following recent government reviews, the monthly basic salary for DCI officers (before tax and statutory deductions) is structured as follows:
At entry level, Constables earn between KSh 25,645 and KSh 32,880 per month. Corporals receive a basic salary ranging from KSh 33,990 to KSh 42,660.
At the non-commissioned officer level, Sergeants earn between KSh 45,540 and KSh 55,049, while Senior Sergeants take home between KSh 50,220 and KSh 60,449.
Among senior officers, an Inspector of Police earns between KSh 53,820 and KSh 71,789, while a Chief Inspector earns approximately KSh 80,000 to KSh 95,000 monthly.
At the command level, Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP) earn between KSh 100,000 and KSh 130,590, while Superintendents of Police (SP) receive between KSh 130,590 and KSh 156,229. Senior Superintendents of Police (SSP) earn between KSh 160,000 and KSh 200,889.
At the highest ranks, Assistant Inspector Generals (AIG) earn between KSh 218,269 and KSh 274,890, while Senior Assistant Inspector Generals (SAIG) earn between KSh 298,529 and KSh 350,000. The Inspector General (IG) earns between KSh 854,241 and KSh 900,000 per month.
These figures represent gross basic salaries and do not include allowances, which significantly boost total monthly earnings.
Allowances
In addition to basic salary, DCI officers receive several allowances aimed at improving welfare and compensating for the nature of their work.
Housing allowance varies by location. Officers stationed in Nairobi and other major urban centres receive between KSh 10,000 and KSh 50,000, while those in rural or remote areas may receive as low as KSh 5,000.
Commuter allowance ranges from KSh 3,000 to KSh 15,000 per month depending on rank. Given the risks involved in investigations, officers also receive a risk allowance of between KSh 5,000 and KSh 20,000.
Those deployed to arid, semi-arid or insecure regions qualify for a hardship allowance ranging from KSh 5,000 to KSh 15,000 monthly. DCI officers are also paid a uniform allowance of between KSh 1,000 and KSh 5,000 annually to maintain official attire.
Officers deployed on international peacekeeping missions receive a peacekeeping allowance, paid daily at rates between KSh 5,000 and KSh 10,000, depending on the mission.
Salary reforms underway
In 2023, the Government of Kenya approved a new police salary review framework following recommendations by the National Taskforce on Police and Prisons Reforms chaired by former Chief Justice David Maraga. The reforms aim to increase police salaries by up to 40 per cent in phases running through 2028.
The first phase took effect on July 1, 2024, introducing a 20 per cent salary increment for constables and proportional increases for higher ranks. Risk and hardship allowances were also adjusted upward.
Why DCI pay reforms matter
Historically, low pay among security officers has been linked to low morale and compromised integrity. Improved DCI salaries and allowances are intended to professionalise law enforcement, enhance accountability and attract highly skilled recruits.
For DCI officers, whose work often involves danger, long hours and complex investigations, the enhanced pay structure marks a turning point. By investing in the welfare of its investigators, the government is strengthening not only the DCI, but also public trust in Kenya’s criminal justice system.