DCI Salary In Kenya: How Much Do DCI Officers Earn and Allowances
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is one of the most critical agencies under Kenya’s National Police Service.
Tasked with unraveling complex crimes such as homicide, terrorism, cybercrime, economic fraud, and organized crime, DCI officers shoulder an immense responsibility.
Given the demanding and risky nature of their duties, public interest in their compensation continues to grow.
As of 2025, Kenya has embarked on major reforms within the police service, including a new salary structure that promises better pay, allowances, and working conditions for all ranks, including DCI officers.
This article explores the current salary scales, allowances, and reform initiatives that are reshaping the financial wellbeing of DCI officers.
Current Salary Structure of DCI Officers (2025)
DCI officers are ranked within the broader framework of the National Police Service. Their salaries vary based on experience, responsibility, and rank. Following recent adjustments, here’s a breakdown of the monthly basic salary for DCI officers across the ranks:
Constable: Ksh 25,645 – Ksh 32,880
Corporal: Ksh 33,990 – Ksh 42,660
Sergeant: Ksh 45,540 – Ksh 55,049
Senior Sergeant: Ksh 50,220 – Ksh 60,449
Inspector of Police: Ksh 53,820 – Ksh 71,789
Chief Inspector: Ksh 80,000 – Ksh 95,000
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP): Ksh 100,000 – Ksh 130,590
Superintendent of Police (SP): Ksh 130,590 – Ksh 156,229
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP): Ksh 160,000 – Ksh 200,889
Assistant Inspector General (AIG): Ksh 218,269 – Ksh 274,890
Senior Assistant Inspector General (SAIG): Ksh 298,529 – Ksh 350,000
Inspector General (IG): Ksh 854,241 – Ksh 900,000
These figures represent gross salaries before tax and statutory deductions, and do not include additional allowances.
Allowances DCI Officers Receive
In addition to their basic pay, DCI officers receive several types of allowances designed to cater to the unique nature of their roles. These allowances vary based on duty station, rank, and operational risk:
Housing Allowance:
Officers working in Nairobi and other major urban areas receive higher housing allowances, ranging from Ksh 10,000 to Ksh 50,000. In rural and remote stations, the amount may be as low as Ksh 5,000.
Commuter Allowance:
This ranges between Ksh 3,000 and Ksh 15,000 per month depending on the officer’s rank.
Risk Allowance:
Because DCI work often involves life-threatening situations, officers are entitled to risk allowances of Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 20,000.
Hardship Allowance:
Officers deployed in arid, semi-arid, or insecure regions receive monthly hardship allowances ranging between Ksh 5,000 and Ksh 15,000.
Uniform Allowance:
DCI officers are given between Ksh 1,000 and Ksh 5,000 annually to maintain and replace their official uniforms.
Peacekeeping Allowance:
Officers seconded to international missions receive daily allowances ranging from Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 10,000, depending on the mission.
These allowances are a significant supplement to the basic salary and are intended to improve officers’ general welfare and job satisfaction.
Phased Salary Reforms Underway
In 2023, the Government of Kenya approved a new police salary review framework following recommendations from the National Taskforce on Police and Prisons Reforms chaired by former Chief Justice David Maraga.
The reforms aim to raise police officers’ pay by up to 40% in phases running through 2028.
The first phase took effect on July 1, 2024, introducing a 20% salary increment for police constables and proportional raises for higher ranks.
This was accompanied by adjustments to risk and hardship allowances.
According to reports from the Ministry of Interior, the ongoing implementation of the reforms is focused on ensuring that officers are not only better compensated but also subjected to improved working conditions, better housing, and enhanced access to healthcare and mental health support.
Why These Reforms Matter
Historically, low pay among security officers has been linked to corruption, low morale, and compromised integrity.
With improved salaries and a structured promotion system, the DCI and the National Police Service at large aim to professionalize law enforcement in Kenya.
For DCI officers in particular—whose job often places them in danger and requires long hours of intelligence gathering and forensic investigation—the reforms offer a strong incentive to remain committed to their duties. The new pay structure also makes careers in criminal investigations more attractive to well-educated, highly skilled recruits.
The DCI’s enhanced salary structure in 2025 marks a turning point in Kenya’s approach to internal security.
By investing in the welfare of its investigators, the government is not only acknowledging their sacrifices but also setting a foundation for a more effective and accountable criminal justice system.
As more phases of the salary review roll out, DCI officers—and indeed the entire police force—can expect further improvements in compensation, professionalism, and public trust.
