How to Join NIS University in Kenya: Courses Offered, Fee and Requirements

The National Intelligence and Research University College (NIRU) is Kenya’s first university owned by the National Intelligence Service (NIS). 

It is a specialized institution in Kenya established under the National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K).

NIRU was founded and chartered on November 5, 2024, by President William Ruto as a hub for training security officers to counter terrorism and modern threats.

The university offers a range of courses in intelligence studies, security, and forensics, with clear admission requirements and fee structures to guide applicants.

NIRUC Principal is Dr Christopher Chumba.

How to Join NIS University in Kenya: Courses Offered, Fees, and Requirements

To join NIRU, applicants must be Kenyan citizens with a clean criminal record, meet physical fitness standards, and hold specific academic qualifications with a minimum C plain for diploma or undergraduate programs.

However, for the certificate level, applicants must hold a valid KCSE certificate with a mean grade of D or higher.

The courses are offered for a period of at least 18 months to 2 years of study. 

Also Read: Best Kenyan Universities Offering Medicine and Health-Related Courses

Courses Offered at NIS University

The following courses the offered at different levels.

Diploma Courses

1. National Security and Strategy (NDC)
2. Defence and Strategic Studies (JCSC)
3. Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing (DCHS)
4. Aeronautical Engineering (Airframes and Engine Option) (DEFTEC)
5. Automotive Engineering (DEFTEC)
6. Aerospace Ground Equipment (DEFTEC)
7. Aeronautical Engineering (Avionics Option) (DEFTEC)
8. Information Communication Technology (DEFTEC)
9. Marine Engineering (DEFTEC)
10. Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Power Option) (DEFTEC)
11. Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Telecommunication Option) (DEFTEC).

Master’s Courses in Other NDU-K Colleges

1. Master of Arts in National Security & Strategy (NDC)
2. Master of Arts in Crisis Response & Disaster Management (IPSTC)

Postgraduate Diploma Courses

1. National Security and Strategy (NDC)
2. Defence and Strategic Studies (JCSC)

Bachelor’s Degree

Bachelor of Science in Defence and Security Studies (KMA)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Military Health (DCHS)

Also Read: List Of Kenyan Public Universities Offering TVET Courses

Higher Diploma Course & Diploma Courses

1. Clinical Medicine and Surgery (Anesthesia) (DCHS)
2. Perioperative Nursing (DCHS)
3. Critical Care Nursing (DCHS)

Courses to be Launched Soon

However, several courses are yet to be launched by the institution.

Here are the programs that are set to be launched soon at various NDU-K colleges

1. PhD in Crisis and Disaster Management (IPSTC)
2. PhD in National Security and Strategy (NDC)
3. Master of Arts in Gender and Peace Support Studies (IPSTC)
4. Master of Science in Information Technology for Defence Sciences (DEFTEC)
5. Master of Science in Weapon Engineering (DEFTEC)
6. Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering (DEFTEC)

Fees Structure

The university’s resources are derived from government funds provided by Parliament, as well as tuition fees and service fees.

Previously, the Kenyan government implemented a Student-Centred Funding Model across public universities, which reduced fees for various disciplines.

While NIRU is a specialized institution, general Arts and Humanities tuition often includes security-related studies. In public universities, the cost now ranges from approximately Sh5,814 to Sh23,256 per semester for government-sponsored students.

Colleges Under the National Defence University of Kenya

The National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K), headquartered in Lanet, Nakuru, is a chartered institution comprising several specialized constituent colleges.

They include the following :

1. National Defence College (NDC): Trains senior military officers and civil servants in national security and strategy.
2. Joint Command and Staff College (JCSC): Focuses on command and staff training for military officers.
3. Kenya Military Academy (KMA): Serves as the center of excellence for the training and education of cadet officers.
4. Defence College of Health Sciences (DCHS): Provides medical education and training for national security.
5. International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC): Specializes in peace support operations training.
6. Defence Forces Technical College (DEFTEC): Offers technical training to defence forces personnel.
7. Defence Intelligence Academy (DIA): Focuses on specialized intelligence training.

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