Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has vowed to overhaul security operations and boost the training of officers to ensure they are equipped to handle emerging criminal challenges in the country.
During his first-ever visit to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters on Thursday, Murkomen commended the meticulous investigations conducted by the DCI, which have led to the successful resolution of numerous complex criminal cases.
He highlighted the ever-evolving landscape of crime, emphasizing the importance of modernizing law enforcement’s approach.
In a statement to the press after touring the National Forensic Laboratory, Murkomen assured that the government is committed to advancing both technology and the skillset of officers to combat increasingly sophisticated criminal activities.
“I am impressed with the DCI’s efforts to professionalize the investigative processes. The team here is tackling some of the most intricate criminal cases in the country, including terrorism, narcotics, and high-level crimes,” Murkomen said.
He expressed his confidence in the directorate’s ability to adapt to emerging trends and praised the collaborative efforts between the National Police Service (NPS) and other agencies to safeguard citizens.
The CS acknowledged that although the country faces various security challenges, the government is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all citizens.
He further underscored the critical role of the National Forensic Laboratory in advancing criminal investigations.
“This laboratory is pivotal, not just for Kenya, but for the entire region. It represents a major leap forward in the use of science and technology to detect and prevent crime,” Murkomen remarked.
Murkomen went on to outline the government’s plans to expand and fully operationalize the forensic laboratory, with funding earmarked in the next national budget.
He stressed the need for continued collaboration between his office, the National Treasury, and Parliament to ensure that this facility is fully equipped to tackle the country’s most pressing criminal issues.
“We are committed to integrating cutting-edge technology into our security apparatus to enhance efficiency in criminal investigations. The work that has been done here already is commendable, and we are focused on its continuous improvement,” Murkomen stated.
In addition to technological advancements, the CS addressed concerns regarding the retention of skilled personnel within the NPS.
He revealed that the government is working closely with universities and colleges to train new experts and provide ongoing development opportunities for existing officers.
Murkomen acknowledged a significant challenge in retaining highly skilled officers, particularly when they reach higher ranks but feel inadequately compensated.
He pledged to work with the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) to address these concerns.
“There is a significant exodus of experts within the NPS due to dissatisfaction with their compensation at senior ranks. We need to create a system that not only trains but retains these specialists, ensuring they have long-term careers in law enforcement,” Murkomen explained.
The CS also highlighted the critical need for increased investment in training programs for law enforcement officials.
“For too long, training and professional development have been neglected. We need to create better programs and ensure adequate funding for them. We must continuously enhance the skills of those already serving and prepare new officers to face the ever-changing threats in society.
Murkomen reiterated his commitment to working with both the National Assembly and National Treasury to revitalize training facilities, particularly the DCI Academy.
He emphasized that it is essential to keep officers one step ahead of criminals by ensuring they receive state-of-the-art training and resources.
In closing, Murkomen reiterated the importance of a well-coordinated and adequately supported security apparatus.
He applauded the leadership within the National Police Service and the DCI for their dedication and hard work in maintaining public safety.
Inspector General of Police (IG) Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General Eluid Lagat, and DCI Director Mohamed Ali were present during the visit, and they briefed Murkomen on the directorate’s achievements, challenges, and ongoing collaborations with other security agencies.
