The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has received a significant boost in its fight against cybercrime with a donation of state-of-the-art digital forensic equipment from the German government. The tools, delivered to the DCI Headquarters in Nairobi, are expected to revolutionize how Kenyan detectives handle digital evidence and investigate sophisticated cybercriminal networks.
The donation was facilitated through the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL). As part of this initiative, the DCI’s Cyber and Digital Forensics Laboratory has been designated as a regional center of excellence for Eastern Africa, aiming to elevate cybercrime investigation standards across the continent.
Abdallah Komesha, the Director of the Investigations Bureau, hailed the donation as “optimal,” stating it would “significantly increase the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of digital investigations.” He pledged enhanced collaboration with international partners, emphasizing that the equipment would help resolve critical cases faster and ensure timely justice.
This development is a key part of the government’s heightened strategy to combat social media misuse and computer-related crimes. It follows closely after President William Ruto’s approval of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Amendment) Act of 2024, which introduced stricter penalties, including fines of up to Ksh20 million for cyber harassment. However, the implementation of this law is currently on hold, as the High Court suspended it pending the outcome of a legal challenge.
By James Kisoo
