The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a five-day training programme to strengthen the country’s capacity to investigate money laundering and terrorism financing.
The course, which began on June 22 at the National Criminal Investigations Academy (NCIA), has brought together investigators from different parts of the country for specialised training on tracking illicit financial flows and handling complex financial crime cases.
The programme is being supported by the Government of Türkiye through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), in what both countries say is part of ongoing cooperation in security and law enforcement.
According to DCI, the training equips officers with the skills to detect, investigate, and interrupt financial crimes that have been challenging in Kenya and internationally.
The officers are going to be equipped with knowledge on how to recognize any suspicious financial transaction, track down any criminal asset and identify terrorist financing among others.
The training will also focus on crimes such as corruption, cybercrime, drug trafficking, human trafficking and terrorism which include the movement of money illegally.
According to DCI, the training program forms part of the initiatives aimed at enhancing the country’s capacity in handling financial crimes while meeting international standards of anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing.
Improvement of investigative capability is necessary considering that financial criminals are coming up with new strategies to hide their illegal activities.
The training is happening at a time that Kenya is trying to beef up its capability to deal with money laundering and terrorism financing issues.
The DCI explained that this training will be crucial in helping the country address issues of concern to the international watchdogs and improve its position in the fight against financial crimes in the world.
Apart from the training programme, Kenya and Turkey have continued to engage in collaborations in different sectors including security and defense.
Earlier this month, the two nations signed an agreement on defense cooperation aimed at promoting military cooperation and modernization of the Kenya Defense Forces.
For investigators attending the NCIA course, the training offers an opportunity to sharpen their skills and strengthen the country’s ability to follow the money trail behind some of the most complex criminal networks operating today.