NAIROBI, Kenya — The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has graduated 69 officers from a specialised anti-narcotics training programme, bolstering Kenya’s capacity to investigate drug trafficking, dismantle organised criminal networks and combat the illicit narcotics trade.
The officers completed a four-week Basic Anti-Narcotics Investigation Course at the National Criminal Investigations Academy (NCIA), where they received specialised training in intelligence gathering, surveillance, evidence management, financial investigations and professional ethics.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin said the newly trained investigators would play a critical role in protecting communities from the growing threat posed by illicit drugs.
“Every investigator we equip through this course strengthens our shield against the networks that seek to flood our communities with illicit drugs. The knowledge and skills you have acquired will be instrumental in protecting lives, upholding justice and safeguarding our nation’s future,” Amin said.
He described the graduation as part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen law enforcement efforts against drug trafficking and organised crime.
According to Amin, the initiative is intended to enhance investigative capacity as authorities respond to increasingly sophisticated criminal networks involved in the illegal drug trade.
“This graduation represents another bold step in our national crusade against illicit drugs. We are systematically building an unbreakable wall against those who prey on our youth and undermine our national security,” he said.
Building investigative capacity
Director of the Anti-Narcotics Unit Samuel Laboso urged the graduates to uphold professionalism and integrity as they join one of the DCI’s specialised operational units.
He challenged them to remain committed to protecting communities from the harmful effects of narcotics while ensuring traffickers are brought to justice through thorough investigations.
National Criminal Investigations Academy Commandant Ibrahim Jillo congratulated the officers and reaffirmed the academy’s commitment to producing highly skilled investigators capable of responding to emerging security threats.
The training covered key aspects of anti-narcotics investigations, including intelligence-led operations, surveillance techniques, financial investigations used to trace proceeds of crime, proper evidence handling and ethical standards expected of investigators.
National fight against organised crime
The graduation comes as Kenyan authorities continue to intensify efforts to disrupt drug trafficking syndicates operating within and across the country’s borders.
Drug trafficking remains a significant security and public health concern, with authorities increasingly adopting intelligence-led investigations to target criminal networks, financiers and supply chains rather than focusing solely on street-level offenders.
The DCI said continued investment in specialised training is aimed at ensuring investigators remain equipped to counter evolving criminal tactics while strengthening the country’s overall law enforcement capacity.
The agency maintained that enhancing investigators’ skills will improve efforts to detect, investigate and prosecute narcotics-related offences as part of the government’s wider campaign against organised crime.