The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) conducted a five-day training for Corporate Services Staff on Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT) under the theme “Strengthening Administrative Systems to Support Counter Financing of Terrorism Prosecutions” at Maanzoni Lodge in Machakos County.

The training, held from 9th to 13th March 2026, aimed at equipping staff with the knowledge and administrative skills necessary to support terrorism and terrorism financing prosecutions through effective case management, documentation, and inter-agency coordination.

In her closing remarks, Deputy Director Administration Ms. Mary Asava expressed gratitude to the Director of Public Prosecutions for initiating the training programme, noting that it had significantly enhanced the capacity of Central Facilitation Services (CFS) staff in supporting Counter Terrorism matters.

She urged participants to cascade the knowledge gained during the week-long training to colleagues at their respective workstations. Ms. Asava also encouraged them to remain vigilant and well-informed on counter-terrorism issues, expressing confidence that the training had equipped them with the necessary knowledge and understanding of the processes involved in handling CT matters.

In his opening remarks, the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions and Head of the Counter Terrorism Division, Mr. Allan Mulama, outlined the key objectives of the training. He noted that the programme was designed to provide participants with a foundational understanding of terrorism and terrorism financing, enhance knowledge of the legal framework governing such offences, and strengthen administrative processes that support prosecution of terrorism-related cases.

Mr. Mulama further emphasized the importance of improving accuracy, compliance and security in file handling, strengthening court reporting and documentation standards, and enhancing digital competency in the management of terrorism-related case files.

During the training, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Mr. Duncan Ondimu, OGW, delivered a presentation on the legal framework governing counter-terrorism in Kenya. He outlined key statutes, including the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the Prevention of Terrorism Act No. 30 of 2012, the National Intelligence Service Act No. 28 of 2012, the Witness Protection Act No. 17 of 2014, as well as the Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code Chapter 75, Laws of Kenya and the Evidence Act Chapter 80, Laws of Kenya.

Mr. Ondimu further highlighted several offences under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, including soliciting or providing support to terrorist groups, facilitating the commission of terrorist acts, harbouring or concealing persons suspected of involvement in terrorism and providing weapons or other resources to terrorist organizations, among other related offences.

Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Dr. Allan Wanjohi from the Prosecution Training Institute delivered a presentation on prosecution strategies, where he guided participants through the role of prosecutors in the trial process. He highlighted key responsibilities, including appearing in court, pleading and representing the State in criminal proceedings at both the trial and appellate levels.

Dr. Wanjohi also discussed prosecutorial powers in addressing transnational organized crime, noting that Article 26(3) requires State Parties to consider the possibility of granting immunity from prosecution to individuals who provide substantial cooperation in the investigation or prosecution of offences covered under the convention. In addition, he addressed critical aspects of the prosecution process including plea bargaining, witness protection, sentencing and confiscation, as well as factors considered in mitigation during sentencing.

He also made a presentation on the importance of maintaining a proper chain of custody in evidence management. He noted that it involves a chronological and documented record of the collection, handling, transfer, analysis, and storage of evidence to ensure its integrity and authenticity in court.

Principal Prosecution Counsel (PPC) Mr. Harrison Kiarie facilitated sessions on the introduction to terrorism and terrorism financing, as well as the legal framework governing counter-terrorism in Kenya. He also provided historical context on the development of the country’s counter-terrorism laws and guided participants through case studies drawn from terrorism prosecutions.

Prosecution Counsel Dr. Marcella Odero delivered a presentation on the history and evolution of terrorism in Kenya, highlighting key incidents such as the 1998 US Embassy bombing, the Westgate Mall attack, the Garissa University attack, and the DusitD2 attack, while underscoring the country’s resilience and lessons learned in counter-terrorism efforts.

Principal Prosecution Counsel Ms. Peris Bosibori discussed the stages of terrorism financing, including the raising, storage, movement and utilization of funds. She also highlighted critical indicators that may emerge during investigations such as financial records, mobile money transactions, identification documents, vehicle ownership records, travel documents and employment records.

Other facilitators included Ms. Agatha Abang, PPC, who made a presentation on the role of the CFS staff in countering financing of terrorism prosecution; Mr. Danson Kagwe, Principal Clerical Officer, and Ms. Grace Guyatu, ICT Officer, who took the participants through case intake, file management, and the Case Management System (Uadilifu).

By Anthony Solly

The Ministry of Health has warned Kenyans about the increased risk of buildings and other infrastructure collapsing during the ongoing long rains season.

In a statement on Friday, March 13, Public Heath Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said prolonged rainfall during the March–April–May (MAM) season can weaken structures and lead to serious safety hazards.

The ministry explained that heavy and sustained rainfall can damage foundations and critical infrastructure, increasing the chances of disasters that could lead to injuries or loss of life.

“The Ministry of Health alerts the public to the increased risk of collapse of buildings and other infrastructure during the ongoing March–April–May (MAM) long rains.

“Prolonged rainfall can weaken building foundations, cause flooding and landslides, and damage structures such as buildings, roads, and bridges, increasing the risk of injuries, loss of life, and other public health emergencies,” the statement read.

As part of the advisory, the government urged members of the public to be cautious around buildings that appear structurally unsafe. 

People have been advised to avoid occupying buildings that show visible cracks, flooding, or signs of weakness. 

Landlords and property owners have also been encouraged to inspect their buildings and repair any structural defects such as weakened walls, cracks, or compromised foundations.

The ministry further cautioned against construction in unstable areas such as steep slopes, riparian land, and flood-prone zones, which become even more dangerous during heavy rains. 

Kenyans were also advised to follow evacuation notices issued by national and county governments, the National Disaster Operations Centre, and other authorities in high-risk areas, and to immediately report any visible structural risks or collapsing infrastructure to local authorities.

In the event of a building or infrastructure collapse, the advisory instructs members of the public to move away from the affected structure immediately to avoid falling debris or additional collapse. 

Authorities also advised people to contact emergency responders including police, fire services, or county disaster response teams.

The government warned against attempting risky rescues and instead urged the public to allow trained emergency responders to carry out rescue operations safely. 

If someone is trapped under debris, people nearby should try to reassure them while alerting rescue teams about their location.

The Ministry of Health also emphasized the importance of immediate medical attention in case of injuries, advising the public to seek treatment at the nearest health facility. 

Basic first aid measures such as controlling bleeding with a clean cloth or bandage and immobilising fractures where possible can help stabilize victims before professional medical help arrives.

In addition, the advisory warned about secondary health risks that may arise after structural collapses, particularly in areas affected by flooding. 

The public has been advised to avoid contact with contaminated floodwater or debris, ensure access to safe drinking water, and maintain proper sanitation to prevent waterborne diseases. 

People were also cautioned to avoid exposed electrical lines or damaged gas systems and to maintain hygiene, especially when assisting injured individuals.

Communities were encouraged to prepare for emergencies by identifying safe evacuation routes and community assembly points. 

The ministry also urged residents to establish community alert systems to warn others about structural hazards and to assist vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities during evacuations.

The advisory also acknowledged the emotional and psychological impact that such disasters can have on victims and their families, encouraging those affected to seek psychosocial support and counselling services.

In a call for public cooperation, the ministry urged Kenyans to remain alert and observe safety measures throughout the rainy season.

“The Ministry of Health urges all Kenyans to remain vigilant during the ongoing MAM long rains and observe safety measures to reduce injuries and loss of life associated with collapsing structures,” the statement added.

As the nationwide sensitisation on the Britam Group Life Assurance Scheme for officers of the National Police Service (NPS) and Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) comes to an end, the programme marks the successful completion of an extensive outreach effort.

The final sessions were held today in Nairobi, Kiambu, Taita Taveta, Wajir, Kericho, Nyamira, and Baringo counties, bringing the nationwide exercise to a close.

The programme was conducted to equip officers across the country with vital information about their insurance cover and the benefits available to them and their families.

Through these engagements, conducted in partnership with Britam Life Assurance Company (K) Ltd, thousands of officers have had the opportunity to interact directly with the facilitators, ask questions, and gain a clearer understanding of how the scheme works and how it supports them throughout their service.

Officers were guided through the various benefits provided under the scheme, the proper procedures for reporting and processing insurance claims, the documentation required when lodging a claim, and the communication channels available for assistance and follow-up.

Beyond understanding the benefits, the programme has also strengthened awareness of the importance of proper documentation and timely reporting, ensuring that officers and their beneficiaries can access the support provided by the scheme without unnecessary challenges.

The information shared during these sessions will go a long way in empowering officers to make informed decisions and ensure that their loved ones are adequately protected.

As the programme concludes, officers are strongly encouraged to:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date personal and service records, as this helps facilitate the efficient and timely processing of claims when the need arises.

• Ensure that all information provided in submitted documents is accurate and complete. Proper and correct documentation helps prevent unnecessary delays and allows claims to be processed smoothly during what is often a difficult time for affected families.

• Reach out through their respective services for any assistance with claims, clarifications, or general inquiries related to the scheme. Officers are encouraged to make use of the established communication channels whenever they require guidance or support.

The completion of this nationwide sensitisation marks an important step in strengthening awareness of and access to the National Police Service Staff Group Life Insurance Scheme. It reaffirms the commitment to ensuring that every officer understands the protection available to them and the support provided to their families.

By Anthony Solly

The Principal Deputy to Chief Conservator of Forests Dr. Clement Ng’oriareng’ has today held discussions with technical officers from JICA’s SFS CORECC project led by the Project Manager Ms Beatrice Atemo and the Chief Technical Advisor Mr. Shinji Ogawa.

The discussions centered on the progress the project has made in its implementation and its activities in the project areas. The Project Manager informed the PDCCF that the project was in the process of finalizing two key documents that will guide the management of commercial forestry especially in the semi-arid areas as well the assessment of ecosystem services.

The Guidelines on the Commercial Growing of Melia volkesii Trees in the Drylands of Kenya and the Standard Operating Procedures for the Assessment of Forest Ecosystem Services (FES) will be among the key deliverables of the Project once it concludes in February 2027.

Dr. Ng’orirareng’ who was representing the CCF Mr. Alex Lemarkoko thanked the Project team for their dedication in the implementation of the project’s objectives and especially in the development of the Melia volkensii guidelines which he noted will be a game changer in commercial forestry in the arid areas of the country.

He added that the species popularly known as Mukau had shown great potential for being one of the main commercial tree species in the country.

He noted that the increased growing of the species was contributing to the 15 billion tree growing campaign especially in the drier parts of the country.

The team agreed to plan for the launch of the two documents before the end the of March. Others present during the event were Michiko Mishikawa, Ayaha Mochizuki, Grace Kemunto and Diana Kishiki from the Project as well as DCCF Dr. Thomas Kiptoo and Mr. Evans Maneno from the CCF’s Office.

By Anthony Solly