The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has stepped up efforts to combat drug trafficking by launching the second cohort of the Basic Anti-Narcotics Investigations Course at the National Criminal Investigations Academy (NCIA), as authorities seek to strengthen the investigative capacity of officers tackling the growing threat of illicit narcotics.
The specialised programme brings together detectives from the DCI’s Anti-Narcotics Unit for advanced training in modern investigative techniques aimed at dismantling drug trafficking syndicates and disrupting organised criminal networks.
Speaking during the launch, Deputy Director of Criminal Investigations John Onyango, who represented Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, said the rapidly evolving nature of organised crime required investigators to continually sharpen their skills to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated criminal organisations.
He noted that drug trafficking syndicates are exploiting emerging technologies and transnational networks, making continuous professional training essential for effective law enforcement.
“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. “Every investigation has the potential to save lives, protect communities and uphold the rule of law.”
NCIA Commandant Ibrahim Jillo said the academy remained committed to delivering competency-based training that equips investigators with the practical skills and ethical standards needed to confront complex and emerging criminal threats.
Anti-Narcotics Unit Director Samuel Laboso challenged participants to fully embrace the programme, saying the success of Kenya’s fight against narcotics depends on 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, adding that the course would strengthen the unit’s ability to investigate and dismantle drug trafficking networks.
The training curriculum covers key areas of anti-narcotics investigations, including intelligence gathering and analysis, surveillance operations, undercover policing, crime scene management, evidence handling, financial investigations, inter-agency collaboration and prosecution support.
Among those who attended the launch were DCI Director of Training Violet Makhanu, NCIA Chief Instructor Tom Nyabuti and other senior officers.
The latest training initiative forms part of the DCI’s broader strategy to enhance the professionalism and operational readiness of detectives as Kenya intensifies efforts to combat drug trafficking, organised crime and the wider security threats posed by illicit narcotics.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
