NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya has renewed its push for deeper cross-border collaboration in tackling transnational organised crime, warning that no country can confront the growing threat alone.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga said crimes such as human trafficking, narcotics smuggling, money laundering and cybercrime demand a coordinated and united regional response.
Speaking in Nairobi on Monday at the opening of the Regional Conference on Strengthening Cross-Border Coordination and Collaboration in Transnational Organised Crimes Prevention and Response, Ingonga stressed that criminal networks exploit gaps in law enforcement and governance across borders.
“Organised crime is adaptive, resilient, and relentless—so too must be our response. Through unity, innovation, and determination, we can secure our region against its corrosive effects,” he said.
Citing the 2023 Global Organized Crime Index, which ranked Kenya 16th globally in criminality, the DPP underscored the urgency of building stronger institutional and legal systems to combat criminal syndicates.
He praised progress made under the East Africa Transnational Organized Crime (EATOC) Project, spearheaded by the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), which has trained over 270 investigators and prosecutors, developed regional guidelines, and fostered cross-border networks among law enforcement agencies.
“These achievements prove that when we work together, we can build stronger, more resilient systems of justice,” Ingonga noted.
The DPP outlined three priority areas for future action:
- Strengthening legal frameworks by harmonising domestic laws with international conventions and modernising extradition treaties.
- Enhancing institutional capacity through continuous training, accountability, and integrity measures.
- Expanding regional cooperation via intelligence sharing, joint investigations, and coordinated prosecutions.
Ingonga also reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to adopting digital tools, such as case-tracking systems, data analytics, and electronic evidence management, to boost efficiency and transparency in prosecutions.
The conference was convened with support from the governments of Tanzania and Mozambique, IDLO, and the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
“Crimes like trafficking and cybercrime not only endanger lives but also undermine governance, fuel corruption, and rob citizens of safety and prosperity. We must confront them collectively,” Ingonga said.
