NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has received operational vehicles from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), a move expected to strengthen the country’s capacity to combat drug trafficking and other forms of transnational organised crime.
The vehicles were handed over on Wednesday through the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi during a ceremony at the DCI Headquarters, underscoring the long-standing security cooperation between Kenya and the United States in tackling the illicit narcotics trade.
Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin welcomed the donation, describing it as a demonstration of the enduring partnership between the DCI and the DEA in confronting increasingly sophisticated criminal networks operating across international borders.
“I wish to express our profound gratitude to the Government of the United States and the DEA for their continued partnership. This donation reflects the strong cooperation between our agencies in combating transnational organised crime,” Amin said.
He noted that modern drug trafficking syndicates have become more sophisticated, exploiting advances in technology, international transport systems, financial networks and porous borders to evade law enforcement.
According to Amin, such evolving threats require stronger international collaboration, intelligence sharing and coordinated operations among law enforcement agencies to dismantle criminal enterprises operating across multiple jurisdictions.
The DCI said the newly acquired vehicles will significantly improve the operational capabilities of its Anti-Narcotics Unit by enhancing surveillance, intelligence-led operations, rapid response, nationwide investigations and coordination with domestic and international security partners.
Amin reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to building a modern, intelligence-driven Anti-Narcotics Unit through sustained investment in operational equipment, specialised training, forensic support, intelligence exchange and joint investigations with international partners.
He also challenged officers assigned to the Anti-Narcotics Unit to deploy the vehicles responsibly, urging them to uphold professionalism, integrity and accountability in every operation.
“Use these vehicles with professionalism, integrity and accountability, ensuring that every operation contributes to safer communities, stronger investigations and the disruption of drug trafficking networks,” he said.
The donation comes as Kenya continues to strengthen efforts to curb narcotics trafficking, with authorities increasingly targeting international trafficking syndicates that use the country as a transit and destination point for illicit drugs.
The collaboration between the DCI and the DEA reflects broader international efforts to combat organised crime through intelligence sharing, capacity building and joint enforcement operations.
Kenya’s anti-narcotics efforts are anchored in the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 1994, which criminalises the trafficking, manufacture, possession and distribution of illegal drugs.
The country’s law enforcement agencies also work within international frameworks such as the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and other multilateral agreements that promote cross-border cooperation against organised criminal networks.
The DCI said it remains committed to strengthening strategic partnerships that enhance Kenya’s ability to combat narcotics trafficking and other transnational crimes while protecting communities from the social and economic impact of illicit drugs.
