Kenya Trains 3,000 New Police Officers in INTERPOL Skills to Tackle Cross-Border Crime

More than 3,000 newly recruited Kenyan police officers have completed a specialised two-day training on INTERPOL policing capabilities at the National Police College in Kiganjo. This initiative aims to bolster Kenya’s capacity to investigate and address crimes that cross international borders.

The training introduced recruits to essential INTERPOL resources such as international police databases, Notices, and Diffusions, which facilitate the sharing of information and cooperation between law enforcement agencies worldwide. The programme also highlighted the role of international collaboration in tackling sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

Strengthening Cross-Border Investigations

By equipping officers early in their careers with knowledge of INTERPOL tools, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) intends to enhance the effectiveness of investigations involving suspects, evidence, or criminal networks beyond Kenya’s borders. Access to shared international data and communication channels enables officers to connect local cases with global law enforcement efforts.

Building Sustainable Policing Capacity

The INTERPOL Policing Capabilities Foundation Course is implemented with support from Project Soteria–INTERPOL and led by certified Kenyan trainers from the National Police Leadership Academy, National Criminal Investigations Academy, and the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Nairobi. This model ensures that INTERPOL expertise remains embedded within Kenya’s police force and is passed on to successive generations of officers.

Elizabeth Wright, Senior Project Manager at Project Soteria–INTERPOL, emphasised that early introduction of these skills promotes sustainability and wider accessibility beyond specialised units, as recruits are deployed across the country.

Impact on National Security Efforts

The DCI views the training as a critical step in enhancing the preparedness and operational effectiveness of Kenya’s police in responding to evolving security threats. The programme aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen multi-agency collaboration and continuous capacity building in preventing and investigating transnational crimes.

For the new recruits, integrating international police cooperation into their foundational training means they will be better equipped to handle cases with international dimensions from the outset of their careers.