NAIROBI, Kenya — A junior detective with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Security Studies, underscoring a growing emphasis on academic excellence and professional development within Kenya’s investigative service.
Detective Dr. Jairus Mutinda Kilatya, currently stationed at DCI Kyumbi, was conferred with the doctorate by Kenyatta University during the institution’s graduation ceremony held on December 19, 2025.
His achievement places him among a small but growing number of DCI officers who have attained doctoral-level qualifications while serving in active duty.
In a statement, the DCI hailed Dr. Kilatya’s accomplishment as a demonstration that “duty and academic excellence can go hand in hand,” noting that his journey reflects discipline, perseverance, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Dr. Kilatya, a distinguished alumnus of Kenyatta University, already holds a Master’s degree in Security Management. His doctoral research focused on contemporary and emerging security challenges, contributing to scholarly and policy debates within the national and regional security landscape.
“Balancing frontline investigative work with the demands of doctoral research is no small feat,” the DCI said, adding that Dr. Kilatya’s success illustrates the capacity of officers to pursue advanced education while meeting the rigours of operational policing.
Beyond his PhD, Dr. Kilatya is also pursuing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree at Mount Kenya University, a move that the Directorate says will further strengthen his legal acumen and enhance the quality of investigations and prosecutions handled by the Service.
Colleagues describe him as a committed investigator whose academic work is closely linked to practical security challenges. According to the DCI, Dr. Kilatya has published several peer-reviewed journal articles addressing security governance, crime trends, and investigative practice, positioning him as a thought leader within the field of security studies.
“These scholarly contributions are important in shaping evidence-based policing and informing policy discussions on national security,” the statement noted.
The achievement comes at a time when the National Police Service has been encouraging officers to pursue higher education as part of broader reforms aimed at professionalising the Service.
Senior security officials have repeatedly argued that complex crimes, including terrorism, cybercrime, and transnational organised crime, require investigators who are not only operationally skilled but also intellectually grounded.
Security analysts say advanced academic training among officers enhances analytical capacity, ethical decision-making, and adherence to constitutional standards in law enforcement.
Dr. Kilatya’s success has been cited internally as an inspiration to officers across ranks, demonstrating that career progression in policing can be complemented by academic growth.
“With vision, determination, and discipline, academic success and professional duty can go hand in hand,” the DCI said in congratulating the detective.
As Kenya continues to grapple with evolving security threats, the Directorate maintains that investing in education and research within the Service remains key to strengthening investigations, improving public trust, and enhancing the overall administration of justice.
