The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Country Attaché, Karl Ash, has praised Kenya’s Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for its sustained collaboration in combating drug trafficking, especially along the country’s coastal corridor.
Speaking during a visit to the ODPP’s regional office in Mombasa, Ash commended the long-standing partnership between the DEA and Kenyan authorities in tackling complex transnational narcotics cases. He noted that Kenya’s coast remains a critical point in global drug trafficking routes, and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in addressing the threat.
“The collaborative efforts between the DEA and the ODPP have yielded significant progress in curbing illicit drug networks,” said Ash, reaffirming the DEA’s commitment to supporting future technical engagements and joint operations.
Ash was accompanied by officials from the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi and Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), highlighting the high-level support for ongoing bilateral anti-narcotics initiatives.
Acting Coast Regional Coordinator Kernael Nyawinda underscored the need for enhanced capacity building and proposed joint training programs involving the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU). These efforts, he said, would strengthen both investigative and prosecutorial efficiency.
Also in attendance, ANU Head Samuel Laboso stressed the importance of prosecution-guided investigations and timely delivery of justice as critical tools in disrupting drug cartels and ensuring accountability.
The visit marks another step in reinforcing Kenya–U.S. cooperation in the war against narcotics, with both sides pledging to deepen joint efforts aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks across the region.
Written By Rodney Mbua
