NAIROBI, Kenya — Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on Monday officially opened the International Police Association (IPA) International Investigations Seminar at the National Criminal Investigations Academy (NCIA) in South C, Nairobi.
The five-day seminar, themed “Strengthening Professional Policing and Crime Management in a Changing World,” has brought together 40 participants from various law enforcement agencies across the globe to exchange knowledge and enhance investigative practices.
Founded in 1950, the International Police Association is a global organisation that unites serving and retired police officers through friendship and professional cooperation.
It promotes the exchange of expertise and fosters international solidarity among members of the law enforcement community.
In his keynote address, IG Kanja described the forum as “an excellent opportunity to share experiences, rethink strategies, and reaffirm our dedication to professional, people-centred policing in an ever-changing and dynamic world.”
He underscored the need for three major shifts in modern policing: deeper technological integration, stronger inter-agency and cross-border collaboration, and greater community involvement in combating crime.
“Strengthening crime management in today’s complex environment requires that we embrace technology, foster cooperation, and prioritise community trust,” Kanja said, adding that such approaches were essential in dealing with contemporary threats such as cybercrime and terrorism.
The IG also commended the role of partner organisations — including the International Justice Mission (IJM), the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) — for supporting efforts to build capacity within the National Police Service.
“These partnerships enrich our training and reinforce our shared mission to uphold justice and security,” he noted.
Kanja reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring continuous professional development for officers, saying the National Police Service would continue to work closely with regional and international actors to curb transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking, gunrunning, and cross-border livestock theft.
The opening ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Kenya, H.E. Ruzaimi Mohamad; Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin; NCIA Commandant Sospeter Munyi; IJM Country Director Vincent Chahale; and IPA Kenya Section President Jared Ojuok, among other senior officials.
