Noordin Haji’s is a familiar name in Kenya, known for his role as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which he was appointed to in 2018.

Born into a family with a rich legacy of public service, Haji has worked his way up to his current role as the Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

Noordin Haji was born on July 3, 1973. 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.

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.

It was also co-owned by his father who is the Garissa Senator Yusuf Haji and his other brother – Abdul Haji.

At a point, Haji was criticised for using the radio station for his undercover work. The station was however sold in 2016 and is no longer owned by the Hajis.

Even though it was sold, the station produced some of the top names in Radio among them former journalist now Nyali member of parliament Mohammed Ali and Radio Maisha presenter Tongola Mate and even Citizen TV’s Lulu Hassan.