The Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced the formation of a technical committee tasked with recommending the terms and conditions of service for officers and staff of the National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU).
In a gazette notice dated December 13, PSC said the initiative aligns with Section 21 of the National Intelligence Service Act.
The committee, chaired by Lawrence Kiti Nyalle, includes members Joan Andisi Machayo, John W. Gitu, Halima Abdi Shurie, Dr. Wilson Kiptanui Soy, Wangari Wachira, and Sammy Wakiaga.
Joint secretaries David M. Karanja, Judy Bliss Thuguri, and Michael Maurice Ogosso will provide administrative support.
The Committee is required to commence the assignment with effect from December 13, 2024 and complete and submit its report to the Public Service Commission by March 15, 2025.
President William Ruto awarded the charter to the varsity on November 5 giving it full autonomy to offer degree programmes.
It was a constituent college of the National Defence University (NDU-K) under the military before it was split.
Established in 2021, the college has been offering intelligence-related courses and research on complex security threats.
The award of the charter follows the approvals by the Commission for University of Education (CUE) which is mandated to inspect and accredit universities in the country.
The award of the charter, which is in line with section 24 of the Universities Act, Cap 210 according to President William Ruto who presided over the event will be of strategic national importance in areas of intelligence.
“The granting of the charters will be of benefit to the advancement of university education in Kenya," said Ruto.
National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji is chairperson of the university council.
"The chartering of the varsity is timely, as Kenya faces complex security challenges such as terrorism and cyber threats," Ruto said.
He said it will not only serve as a centre for learning but also a hub for research and innovation and the engine that will enable Kenya to remain a leader in the regional and global security agenda.
“We expect the National Intelligence Research University to play a crucial role in equipping our intelligence officers to safeguard the nation and to intensify its focus on cutting-edge research and innovation in national security,” he stated.
He also encouraged the institution to expand its reach by admitting students from the Global South to foster a more diverse understanding of the security sector.