The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has enforced critical changes following the confirmation of Coronavirus (Covid-19) cases in the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday, March 15, the investigative body informed that it had suspended key services offered in order to limit the spread of the virus.
Key among the services that have been put on hold is the private fingerprint forensic under the DCI section called the Forensic Fingerprint Identification Bureau that provides forensic fingerprint expert evidence in courts of law among other functions.
The directorate will also be screening all staff and visitors coming into the DCI headquarters for the virus.
"We wish to inform that in line with the directives of the National Emergency and Response Committee on Coronavirus, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations shall through its clinical personnel on considered emergency cases, screen and test both staff and visitors at the DCI headquarters. Any case diagnosed will be referred to the relevant government medical institutions immediately for further attention," reads the statement in part.
The issuance of Police Clearance Certificates, commonly known as the Certificate of Good Conduct has also been suspended for two weeks.
"Meanwhile, the directorate has suspended services in respect to private fingerprint forensic and issuance of Police Clearance Certificates previously known as Certificate of Good Conduct, for the next two weeks. We thank you all for your continued cooperation," concluded the statement.
An employee from the DCI speaking to Kenyans.co.ke clarified that the suspension would only affect new applications.
"For those who have already applied, theirs [the certificates] will be processed. But for 2 weeks we shall not be accepting new applications."
The 2 week timeline put in place will be subject to review following an assesment of the situataion in the country as it develops.
Another key government entity, the Directorate of Immigration Services has also reviewed its standard operating procedure.
In a statement issued on March 14, 2020, the body has made significant efforts to put in place controls limiting the numbers at the premises.
"The Directorate of Immigration Services wishes to notify the general public that it has become necessary to reduce the number of people accessing our passport and foreign nationals management services premises effective Monday, 16th March 2020," read the statement in part.
The new directives will bar passport applicants from accessing the immigration offices except on an appointment basis.
In cases where the appointment dates are revised, the new details will be shared with the affected parties via SMS notification and or the ecitizen portal.
Before the new directives are reviewed, the Director-General Alexander Muteshi provides that only urgent Foreign National Management Services will be provided.
