The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Tuesday kicked off a five-day Anti-Money Laundering Training of Trainers course aimed at enhancing Kenya’s capability to combat financial crimes.
The training, which was officially opened at the Kenya Institute of Industrial Training in Nakuru, attracted participants from different directorates and regions across the country.
The participants will be equipped with skills in tracing and recovering assets, the law and prosecution, as well as analyzing and disseminating Suspicious Transaction Reports, and will be tasked with the responsibility of training their fellow officers at their respective stations.
In his opening remarks on behalf of the Director of Criminal Investigations, Mohamed Amin, NCIA Commandant Sospeter Munyi said financial crimes, including money laundering and financing of terrorism, pose a threat to the country’s economy and security.
The NCIA boss said the nature of the crimes is usually sophisticated and involves a high level of planning, thus the need for the law enforcement agencies to use their intelligence and training in the fight against the vice.
Mr. Munyi also pointed out the positive developments witnessed in the last few years, which include the improvement of the investigation system, the development of standard operating procedures, and the strengthening of policies, particularly after the 2022 Mutual Evaluation Report.
However, he also pointed out that training is a necessity for bridging the gap and increasing the number of successful investigations and prosecutions.
He also commended the facilitators from the DCI, the Financial Reporting Centre, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Asset Recovery Agency for their cooperation with the training program.
“This training is not just about talks. It’s about the implementation of actions that are intended to enhance the delivery of justice and protect the public.”
The DCI also reiterated its commitment to the fight against financial-related crimes and the winning of public trust through thorough and professional investigations.
The officials who attended the opening of the training included the Director of Reforms at the DCI Dr. Philip Ouma, the Deputy Director of the Investigations Bureau George Kisaka, and James Githinji, the head of the Financial Investigations Unit, among others.