NAIROBI, Kenya- The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has concluded a two-week specialised training on counter-terrorism (CT) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT), as authorities move to strengthen regional capacity in handling complex security cases.
The programme, held in Nairobi, brought together prosecutors from Kenya and Uganda in a joint initiative aimed at enhancing cross-border cooperation in tackling terrorism-related offences.
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Christine Gakobo said the training underscored the importance of collaboration among regional justice systems in responding to evolving and transnational security threats.
She noted that such engagements not only build technical capacity but also strengthen networks necessary for the effective prosecution of terrorism and financing-related cases across jurisdictions.
Focus on practical prosecution skills
The training focused on enhancing prosecutors’ competencies in handling CT and CFT cases, blending theoretical instruction with practical application.
It culminated in a moot court exercise featuring witnesses drawn from the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) and the Department of Children Services (Child and Family Services), giving participants real-world trial simulation experience.
Officials said the exercise was designed to sharpen courtroom readiness and improve coordination between investigative and prosecutorial agencies.
Push for regional cooperation
Gakobo emphasised that terrorism and its financing are increasingly cross-border in nature, requiring coordinated responses among East African nations.
She called for stronger regional collaboration, noting that joint training programmes are critical in harmonising prosecution strategies and improving conviction rates in complex cases.
The ODPP said it remains committed to strengthening partnerships with regional and international stakeholders in the fight against terrorism and organised crime.
