NAIROBI, Kenya – The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched the second cohort of the Basic Anti-Narcotics Investigations Course as part of efforts to strengthen the capacity of detectives to combat drug trafficking and organised crime.
The specialised training, organised by the National Criminal Investigations Academy (NCIA), brings together officers from the DCI’s Anti-Narcotics Unit for competency-based instruction aimed at enhancing investigative skills against increasingly sophisticated drug syndicates.
The course was officially launched by Deputy Director of Criminal Investigations John Onyango, who represented Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin at the opening ceremony.
Speaking during the launch, Onyango said criminal networks continue to exploit emerging technologies and transnational connections, underscoring the need for continuous training to equip investigators with modern investigative skills.
“This course is a vital part of our long-term strategy to embed sustainable anti-narcotics enforcement capabilities within the National Police Service,” Onyango said.
He urged participants to approach the training with commitment, noting that effective investigations not only enforce the law but also protect lives and communities from the devastating effects of narcotics.
National Criminal Investigations Academy Commandant Ibrahim Jillo reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to delivering competency-based training that combines practical investigative skills with professional ethics.
He said the programme is designed to prepare officers to respond effectively to complex and emerging criminal threats linked to illicit drug trafficking.
Anti-Narcotics Unit Director Samuel Laboso challenged participants to fully utilise the training opportunity, saying the evolving nature of organised crime requires investigators who can adapt to changing criminal tactics.
“The fight against narcotics demands highly skilled investigators who can adapt to ever-changing criminal tactics,” Laboso said.
The training programme covers key areas of anti-narcotics investigations, including intelligence gathering and analysis, surveillance techniques, undercover operations, crime scene management, evidence handling, financial investigations, inter-agency collaboration and prosecution support.
The DCI said the programme forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen institutional capacity and improve the professionalism of investigators handling drug-related offences.
The agency added that investing in specialised training is expected to enhance the ability of detectives to dismantle trafficking networks, disrupt organised criminal enterprises and improve the quality of investigations that support successful prosecutions.
Also present during the launch were DCI Director of Training Violet Makhanu, NCIA Chief Instructor Tom Nyabuti and other senior officers from the Directorate.
