The government, through the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), has stepped up its efforts to curb the widespread cybercrime activities in the country after acquiring modern digital forensics tools.
These new digital equipment are expected to change how detectives handle digital and cyber-related crimes, improving the DCI’s ability to keep up with more advanced criminal networks.
The tools were delivered to the DCI Headquarters in Nairobi as a donation by the German government, through the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL).
It is part of the German Government-funded digital forensics project, which involves collaboration between Kenyan detectives, AFRIPOL, and the German Federal Police to crack down on advanced cyber-related crimes.
Speaking moments after receiving the equipment, Director of the Investigations Bureau, Abdallah Komesha, pledged the DCI's enhanced collaboration with AFRIPOL and the German government to deal with individuals engaging in cyber crimes.
He stated that the donation came at an optimal time and emphasised that it will significantly increase the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of digital investigations.
"This will help ensure that important cases are resolved more quickly, allowing justice to be served without unnecessary delays," Komesha stated.
The latest development forms part of the government's heightened strategies to tame the prevalent misuse of social media and other computer-related criminal activies in the country.
It comes just six weeks after President William Ruto approved the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Amendment) Act of 2024, which sought to expand the government's powers in dealing with online crimes.
The Act introduced a raft of stringent measures and penalties against those found guilty of perpetrating cybercrimes. It broadened the definition of cyber harassment, introducing up to Ksh20 million in penalties.
However, the law was temporarily suspended by the High Court pending the hearing and determination of a petition filed by Activist Reuben Kigame.
