Kenya’s crime lab gets FBI-style upgrade as DCI turns to DNA, digital evidence and advanced crime-scene science

Kenya’s forensic investigations are entering a new phase as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) expands a US-backed training partnership aimed at equipping specialist analysts with advanced skills in DNA analysis, blood pattern examination, digital evidence and crime-scene investigation.

The programme, being implemented through the United States Department of Justice’s International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP), is designed to strengthen the National Police Service Forensic Laboratory’s capacity to process and interpret scientific evidence used in criminal investigations.

The latest phase involves 28 specialised analysts undergoing intensive training at the National Police Service Forensic Laboratory (NPS-FL).

The development was announced by the DCI on Saturday, September 26, following a meeting held at the forensic laboratory a day earlier between NPS-FL Director Sospeter Munyi and an ICITAP delegation led by Mindy Prado.

Participants are drawn from the laboratory’s Forensic Biology and Forensic Crime Scene Investigation units.

28 analysts undergo specialist training

Under the expanded programme, 13 analysts from the Forensic Biology Unit are undertaking advanced training in forensic serology and DNA analysis.

A further 15 analysts from the Forensic Crime Scene Investigation Unit are specialising in Blood Pattern Analysis (BPA).

The training also covers several other areas considered increasingly important to modern criminal investigations, including:

• Digital evidence collection and preservation;
• Chemical processing for latent fingerprint analysis;
• Foundational procedures for post-blast investigations; and
• Advanced crime-scene investigation techniques.

The DCI said the programme is intended to improve investigators’ ability to properly collect, preserve and analyse evidence, while strengthening the scientific basis of criminal cases presented before the courts.

The partnership has been running since 2023, with successive training programmes intended to build specialised forensic expertise within Kenya’s National Police Service.

‘Transformative milestone’

Munyi described the latest phase of the partnership as an important development in the modernisation of Kenya’s forensic capabilities.

“This partnership marks a transformative milestone for our forensic capabilities.”

He said the training would give Kenyan analysts advanced expertise in areas including DNA technology, blood pattern analysis and digital forensics.

“By equipping our analysts with world-class skills in DNA technology, blood pattern analysis, and digital forensics, we are fundamentally modernising our investigative approach and ensuring our laboratory delivers irrefutable, empirical evidence to the criminal justice system.”

The emphasis on forensic evidence reflects the growing role of scientific analysis in criminal investigations, where investigators can use laboratory findings to corroborate other evidence gathered during an inquiry.

US-backed forensic partnership

The training is being delivered through ICITAP, a US Department of Justice programme that provides criminal justice and law-enforcement assistance to partner countries.

Prado said the collaboration with Kenya’s forensic laboratory was focused on strengthening forensic standards.

“Our collaboration with the NPS-FL reflects a shared commitment to global forensic excellence.”

The programme’s continued operation since 2023 marks an extended period of technical cooperation between ICITAP and Kenya’s forensic services.

Why DNA and blood pattern analysis are important

DNA analysis is used in criminal investigations to examine biological material and can assist investigators in identifying individuals or establishing links between evidence and a crime scene. It can also play a role in excluding individuals who are not supported by the biological evidence.

Blood Pattern Analysis, meanwhile, involves the examination of bloodstains and their distribution at a scene. Investigators can use such analysis as one component of reconstructing events and assessing competing accounts of what occurred.

Digital forensics has become another increasingly important area as criminal investigations involve electronic devices and digital records.

Mobile phones, computers, online communications and electronic transactions can contain information relevant to investigations, making the collection and preservation of digital evidence an important part of modern policing.

Focus on court-ready evidence

The DCI says the wider objective is to improve the quality and reliability of evidence available to investigators and prosecutors.

Scientific findings can provide another evidentiary layer alongside witness accounts, documentary material and other investigative information.

Forensic analysis is particularly relevant in complex investigations where investigators may need to establish connections between people, objects, locations and events.

The NPS-FL handles forensic work across a range of investigations, including cases involving homicide, terrorism, cybercrime and financial offences.

The DCI said it would continue expanding specialised training and introducing advanced investigative technologies across its forensic and investigative units as part of efforts to strengthen Kenya’s criminal justice system.

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