DCI to enhance fight against transnational organized crime

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya reaffirmed the nation's dedication to enhancing international police collaboration in tackling transnational organized crime. During the opening ceremony of the INTERPOL Capabilities Mentorship Programme in Nairobi, Deputy Director DCI Mr. John Onyango highlighted that transnational threats like terrorism, human and drug trafficking, cybercrime, money laundering, migrant smuggling, and wildlife trafficking cannot be effectively addressed by any single country.

The program gathers senior law enforcement officers from East Africa as criminal networks grow more sophisticated and technology-driven, exploiting jurisdictional gaps and technological advancements to expand their influence.

DCI emphasized the vital role of INTERPOL and its National Central Bureaus in facilitating secure and efficient sharing of criminal intelligence, including details on wanted individuals, stolen travel documents and vehicles, fingerprints, DNA profiles, and other essential investigative data. He called for improved professional relationships among NCBs, increased intelligence sharing, joint investigations, coordinated operations, and greater use of INTERPOL databases and secure communication systems.

The Director also stressed the importance of investing in capacity building, specialized training, and ongoing professional development for law enforcement personnel. He urged agencies to adopt proactive, intelligence-led, and preventive policing strategies, while continually adapting to emerging threats, especially cybercrime, financial crime, and other technology-enabled organized crime.

Onyango stressed that sharing information strengthens our collective defense, while cooperation prevents criminals from exploiting our borders. He reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to regional and bilateral partnerships that bolster information sharing, coordinated law enforcement actions, and professional development. As Africa's representative on the INTERPOL Executive Committee, the Director DCI remains dedicated to advancing stronger police cooperation on the continent, improved information sharing, and joint efforts against transnational organized crime.