Ministry of Interior Pledges More Funding for DCI Forensic Lab to Tackle Crimes

By Anne Nyambura

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Thursday morning paid a visit to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters, where he engaged with officers and assessed ongoing efforts to enhance crime investigations in the country.

Speaking with journalists, Murkomen lauded the progress made by the DCI in tackling high-profile crimes, including terrorism and narcotics. He expressed appreciation for the teamwork exhibited within the National Police Service (NPS), which he credited for making Kenya safer than ever before.

"I must say that it has been a very fruitful engagement, especially seeing the progress being made. Our country is safer today because of the commitment and efforts of the National Police Service," Murkomen stated.

During the visit, the CS toured the DCI forensic laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility playing a crucial role in leveraging science and technology to solve crimes. He emphasized the government’s commitment to fully operationalizing the lab by securing additional funding in the next budget.

"As a result of my visit today, we have agreed that equipping this laboratory must continue. We are working with the National Treasury and Parliament to ensure its full operationalization," he said.

Murkomen further revealed plans to collaborate with universities and colleges to train forensic experts, addressing concerns over high staff turnover.

The CS acknowledged that inadequate training budgets had hindered the growth of forensic expertise within the DCI. To address this, he announced that the government would enhance training programs and revitalize the DCI training academy to ensure officers remain ahead of criminals.

"We are working with the National Assembly and Treasury to strengthen training efforts. Retaining skilled personnel is also key, and we are in discussions with the National Police Service Commission to address expert retention challenges," Murkomen added

Murkomen restated his commitment to supporting the DCI and other security agencies in their mission to protect Kenyans. He noted that his visit was part of a broader familiarization tour to understand the challenges officers face and ensure they have the necessary resources to enhance their work.

"The most important aspect of any institution is understanding the people who drive its agenda. I appreciate the warm reception from the officers and commend their dedication to making Kenya a safer place," he added

The government’s renewed focus on forensic technology and personnel training is expected to bolster crime-fighting efforts, ensuring that law enforcement remains well-equipped to handle emerging security threats.