Otaku Outlook Team
Noordin Haji is a prominent figure in Kenya, renowned for his significant contributions to the country’s legal and intelligence sectors. Appointed as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in 2018, Haji has played a crucial role in shaping Kenya’s legal landscape. Born on July 3, 1973, into a family with a rich legacy of public service, Haji’s career has been marked by dedication and excellence. In 2023, he ascended to the role of Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), bringing with him a wealth of experience and a commitment to national security.
Biography
Noordin Haji, born on July 3, 1973, is a prominent Kenyan public servant known for his extensive career in law and national security. He hails from a family deeply rooted in public service, with his father, Mohamed Yusuf Haji, serving as a notable political figure and his mother contributing to the education sector. Noordin’s educational journey took him from Kabarak High School and Greensteds International
School in Kenya to the University of Wales and Cardiff, and the Australian National University, where he earned multiple degrees in law and national security. Beginning his career as a State Counsel in the Attorney General’s office in 2000, Haji has held significant roles within the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and served as Kenya’s Director
of Public Prosecutions from 2018 to 2023. In 2023, he returned to the NIS as the Director General, bringing his wealth of experience to address Kenya’s security challenges. Known for his dedication to public service, Haji continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s legal and security landscape while maintaining a private personal life.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Noordin Haji |
| Date of Birth | July 3, 1973 |
| Family Background | Father: Mohamed Yusuf Haji, notable Kenyan politician Mother: Teacher, emphasis on education and service |
| Education | – Secondary: Kabarak High School, Greensteds International School – LLB, LLM: University of Wales and Cardiff – MNSPO: Australian National University |
| Postgraduate Diploma | Kenya School of Law |
| Career Highlights | – 2000: State Counsel, Attorney General’s Office – 2006: Co-founder, Radio Salaam – Deputy Director, National Intelligence Service (NIS) – Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), 2018-2023 – Director General, NIS, 2023-present |
| Key Roles at NIS | – Deputy Director, Counter Organized Crime Unit – Head of Somalia Stabilization – Principal Intelligence Officer, External Division |
| Personal Life | Married, children |
| Net Worth | Sh466 million (as per vetting for NIS Director General) |
Family Background and Early Life
Noordin Haji was born on July 3, 1973, into a family with a rich legacy of public service. His father, Mohamed Yusuf Haji, was a notable figure in Kenyan politics and public administration, serving as the Garissa Senator and Kenya’s Minister of Defence from 2008 to 2013. In 2012, Yusuf Haji also acted as the Minister of Internal Security and Provincial Affairs. Noordin’s mother was a teacher, contributing to the family’s emphasis on education and service.
Education
Growing up in a household steeped in public service, Noordin Haji enjoyed a privileged upbringing. He attended Kabarak High School for his secondary education and later Greensteds International School in Nakuru. Haji pursued higher education abroad, earning an LLM and LLB from the University of Wales and Cardiff, and an MNSPO (Master’s degree in National Security Policy) with merit from the Australian National University. He also holds a postgraduate diploma from the Kenya School of Law.
Early Career in Public Service
Haji’s career in public service began in 2000 when he joined the Attorney General’s office as a State Counsel. His tenure in the Attorney General’s office was marked by significant contributions, particularly in providing legal counsel to various law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Founding and Running Radio Salaam
In 2006, Haji co-founded Radio Salaam, an Islamic radio channel, along with his father, the Garissa Senator Yusuf Haji, and his brother, Abdul Haji. The station, though criticized at times for allegedly being used for undercover work, produced some prominent media personalities. Radio Salaam was sold in 2016.
Career at the National Intelligence Service
Haji’s expertise led to his appointment as Deputy Director of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), where he played a crucial role in shaping national security policies and operations. His various roles included Deputy Director of the Counter Organized Crime Unit, Deputy Director of Administration and Internal Division, and Head of Somalia Stabilization. Haji also served as the Principal Intelligence Officer-External Division and Head of the Legal Department at the National Security Intelligence Service (NSIS).
Tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)
In March 2018, Noordin Haji was appointed as Kenya’s Director of Public Prosecutions by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. His tenure as DPP was marked by both success and controversy. While some accused him of being used by the government to silence political opponents, he also achieved significant reforms, including the implementation of an electronic filing system that improved service delivery.
Return to the National Intelligence Service
In 2023, Noordin Haji returned to the National Intelligence Service as the Director General, appointed by President William Ruto. His extensive experience in both legal and intelligence fields uniquely positioned him to address the complex security challenges facing Kenya. Under his leadership, significant changes were made at the spy agency, including the appointment of the first female deputy director-general.
Personal Life
Despite his high-profile career, Noordin Haji has kept his personal life largely out of the public eye. He is married and has children, maintaining a private family life away from the limelight.
Net Worth
During Haji’s vetting for the position of NIS Director General, he revealed his net worth to be Sh466 million. He disclosed an annual salary of Sh9 million and Sh12 million from a family business but declined to share further details about his wealth and sources of income, citing the sensitivity of his position and the need to safeguard national security.
