The current functions of the Directorate as provided for under the National Police service Act, 2011 include

• Collect and provide criminal intelligence,
• Undertake Investigations on serious crimes including homicide, narcotics crimes, human trafficking, money laundering, terrorism,economic crimes, piracy, organized crimes, and cyber crime among others.
• Maintain law and order.
• Detect and prevent crimes
• Apprehend offenders
• Maintain criminal records
• Conduct forensic analysis
• Execute the directions given to the Inspector General by the Director of Public Prosecutions pursuant to article 157(4) of the constitution
• Coordinate Country Interpol Affairs
• Investigate any matter that may be referred to it by the Independent Police Oversight Authority
• Perform any other function conferred on it by other written Law.

Functions of the Director
The Director of Criminal Investigations shall—
(a) be responsible for the effective and efficient administration and operations of the Directorate;
(b) provide strategic guidance and direction for the Directorate;
(c) be responsible for the preparation of the budget and planning for the directorate;
(d) monitor and evaluate the Directorate;
(e) undertake supervision of the Directorate;
(f) co-ordinate training, research and development in the Directorate;
(g) provide internal oversight of the Directorate;
(h) improve transparency and accountability in the Directorate.
(i) co-operate and engage in joint security operations with the Deputy Inspectors-General of both the Kenya Police Service and the Administration Police Service, other Government departments and security organs, where necessary, when relevant, to ensure the safety and security of the public; and
(j) perform any other functions that may be assigned by the InspectorGeneral under this Act or any other law.