Joseph Mararo Karanja
Cybercrimes Investigator | Security & Risk Specialist
Juja
Summary
Security and investigations professional with over a decade of experience in law enforcement, cybercrime, and digital forensics. Skilled in threat monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and incident response. Proven ability to bridge legal frameworks with community justice systems. Currently serving at DCI Headquarters and pursuing MSc in Information Security and CISA certification.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Cybercrimes Investigator
Cyber Crimes Investigation Unit (Directorate of Investigation Bureau) DCI Headquarters
01.2023 - Current
- Lead investigations into digital fraud and information technology related offences
- Collaborate with banks, telecoms, and regulators to trace transactions
- Use forensic tools and intelligence networks to gather evidence and detect threats
- Support policy development and inter-agency coordination
- Recommended for Inspector Promotion Course in 2025 based on leadership in complex investigations
Detective Constable
DCI Banisa
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Investigated criminal and cyber-related offenses in a culturally sensitive region
- Harmonized Kenya’s legal system with Somali customary justice for dispute resolution
- Engaged local elders and police to foster trust and resolve conflicts
- Conducted community outreach and mentored junior officers
- Recommended for Inspector Promotion Course in 2021 for outstanding performance and community engagement
IT Technician & Tutor
Central Computer Training College
01.2012 - 01.2012
- Taught computer applications and hardware maintenance
- Supported students in troubleshooting and system configuration
Industrial Attachment
Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA)
01.2012 - 01.2012
- Managed desktop/server systems, LAN/WAN networking, and SQL databases
- Provided ERP data entry and customer service
Tutor
African Christian Churches & Schools Education Center
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Taught science, English, and social studies
- Developed lesson plans and supported academic growth
Education
Master of Science - Information Security
USIU
Nairobi ,Kenya 04.2001 -
BSc - Computer Science
Presbyterian University of East Africa
01.2016
Police Basic Training Certificate - Policing
Kenya Police College
Kiganjo 04.2001 -
Diploma - Computer Science
Presbyterian University
01.2011
CPA Section 1 -
KASNEB
01.2011
Skills
- Criminal & Cybercrime Investigations
- Digital Forensics & Evidence Handling
- IT Systems & Network Administration
Certification
Certified in Data Protection & Cybersecurity – AFRALTI (2024)
References
Hillary, Mutai - SSP | Officer Commanding
Serious Crime Unit, DCI
Tel: +254 723 886 899
Lynnette Nzioki |Graduate Students’ Coordinator
School of Graduate Studies | United States International University - Africa
Tel: +254-730 116 433| Email: lynzioki@usiu.ac.ke
Interests
Research & Community Service, Mater Heart Run, Mentoring and public safety advocacy
Awards
Commendation Letter – Home of Glory Alone CBO, Kisumu (2020)
CERTIFICATIONS
- INTERPOL Certification – Darknet & Cryptocurrencies in Terrorism Financing (2024)
- Certified in Data Protection & Cybersecurity – AFRALTI (2024)
- National Cohesion & Integration Council – DCI Academy (2017)
- Basic Investigations Course – Workshop Training (2016)
- Asset Recovery Agency Conference – Mombasa (2016)
Timeline
Cybercrimes Investigator
Cyber Crimes Investigation Unit (Directorate of Investigation Bureau) DCI Headquarters
01.2023 - Current
Detective Constable
DCI Banisa
01.2020 - 01.2023
IT Technician & Tutor
Central Computer Training College
01.2012 - 01.2012
Industrial Attachment
Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA)
01.2012 - 01.2012
Tutor
African Christian Churches & Schools Education Center
01.2009 - 01.2010
Master of Science - Information Security
USIU
04.2001 -
Police Basic Training Certificate - Policing
Kenya Police College
04.2001 -
BSc - Computer Science
Presbyterian University of East Africa
Diploma - Computer Science
Presbyterian University
CPA Section 1 -
KASNEB
Similar Profiles
Robin AylorRobin Aylor
Unit Chief/ Deputy Director at Federal Bureau of Investigation HeadquartersUnit Chief/ Deputy Director at Federal Bureau of Investigation Headquarters
Thapelo Neul MojanagaThapelo Neul Mojanaga
Lieutenant Colonel (Sub-Section Commander) at Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation: Serious Economic Offences UnitLieutenant Colonel (Sub-Section Commander) at Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation: Serious Economic Offences Unit
Charles MaysCharles Mays
Supervisory Management and Program Analyst at Federal Bureau of Investigation HeadquartersSupervisory Management and Program Analyst at Federal Bureau of Investigation Headquarters
Wanjira Jane WanjiruWanjira Jane Wanjiru
Food and Beverage Assistant at Ciala ResortFood and Beverage Assistant at Ciala Resort
Victor MshindiVictor Mshindi
Intern at Zoe TvIntern at Zoe Tv