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 was commonly known as the "Special Branch" and which was
part of the Kenya Police Department.
The NSIS brief, like all other intelligence organisations, is to gather and
exploit secret information. It identifies conditions that threaten Kenya's
political, economic and social stability. It subsequently develops
opportunities and strategies to neutralise such threats.
In May 1999, President Daniel arap Moi appointed retired Brig. Wilson Bonett
to head NSIS whose intelligence gathering work includes: internal, external
and strategic intelligence. NSIS is divided into seven sections:
1. Administration
2. Information technology
3. Internal intelligence
4. External intelligence
5. Economic affairs
6. Operations
7. National Intelligence Academy
It changed name and relocated from its notorious Nyati House offices to
new headquarters on the outskirts of the city, near the Windsor Golf and
Country Hotel. As the Director general of NSIS, Retired Brig. Boinet is the
principle advisor of the President on matters relating to national security.
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.
Security of tenure given the director 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.
The position of intelligence boss is, therefore, crucial in maintaining
democratic balance and, in Kenya's case, from taking it back to the torture
chambers.
Officials of the new Intelligence body are:
- Mr. Stephen Kimani Muhu - Director of operations,
- Mr. Petkay Shen Miriti - Director of external intelligence,
- Mr. Shukri Baramadi - Director of internal intelligence,
- Mr. Alloys Meltus Okindah, Director of National Intelligence Academy,
- Mr. Joseph Murei Mangira - Director of administration,
- Mr. Fidel Mumia - Director of economic affairs
- Mr. Kibwon Sergon - Director of information technology.
