The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has confirmed that the fight against terrorism is critical to the country’s stability and growth of the Kenya’s economy.
Speaking during the launch of a two-week pilot training for prosecutors at the Prosecution Training Institute (PTI) in Nairobi, Ingonga said the threat of terrorism, terrorism financing, violent extremism and radicalization continues to pose significant risks to national security and the rule of law not only in Kenya but across the region.
The DPP further said that such training will impact prosecutors with special skills and expertise required to effectively investigate, prepare and present compelling terror-related cases in court.
“Taking into account the level of responsibility involved in prosecuting terrorism-related offences, the citizens of Kenya have the right to expect that prosecutors handling such cases are highly trained, skilled and committed,” said DPP Ingonga.
The DPP said that with the evolving legal landscape and the sophisticated nature of modern crimes, prosecutors must maintain an up-to-date understanding of legislative and case-law developments both nationally and internationally.
He also said that continuous training, particularly in emerging fields such as terrorism and terrorism financing is essential.”
He went on to say that the program, the Counter-Terrorism Module and pilot training program for prosecutors, which is a first of its kind in East Africa, will provide prosecutors with an innovative and effective mechanism, as well as the necessary tools to prosecute terror-related offences.
The training focuses on areas that will enhance prosecutors’ skills in mastering the art of drafting strong indictments, preparing compelling legal arguments, and presenting evidence in court
The training also encourages collaboration with international partners in investigating and prosecuting transnational terrorism.
The training will further aid prosecutors to among others enhance their skills in evidence gathering, witness handling and utilizing technology in criminal investigations.
