The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is one of the three arms of the National Police Service (NPS) alongside the Kenya Police Service (KPS) and the Administration Police Service (APS). It was established under Article 247 of the Constitution and operationalized through Part 5, Sections 28 and 35 of the National Police Service Act.
The Director of Criminal Investigations heads the DCI and operates under the command of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
1. Functions of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations
The DCI’s primary role is to investigate and combat serious crimes in Kenya. Its functions include:
(a) Criminal Intelligence and Investigation
- Collect and analyze criminal intelligence to aid law enforcement agencies.
- Investigate serious crimes, including:
- Homicide (murder and violent crimes).
- Narcotic crimes (drug trafficking).
- Human trafficking and child exploitation.
- Money laundering and economic crimes.
- Terrorism-related offenses.
- Piracy and organized crime.
- Cybercrime and digital fraud.
(b) Crime Prevention and Enforcement
- Maintain law and order through intelligence-led policing.
- Detect and prevent crime through surveillance and investigative operations.
- Apprehend offenders and hand them over for prosecution.
(c) Criminal Records and Forensics
- Maintain criminal records and databases for convicted and suspected offenders.
- Conduct forensic investigations including:
- DNA analysis.
- Ballistics and fingerprint analysis.
- Digital forensics (cybersecurity investigations).
- Document examination for fraud cases.
(d) Legal and International Cooperation
- Execute directives from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) under Article 157(4) of the Constitution.
- Coordinate international police affairs, including Interpol operations and cross-border investigations.
- Investigate cases referred by the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) concerning police misconduct.
(e) Other Legal Responsibilities
- Investigate corruption and financial crimes in collaboration with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
- Ensure compliance with the law and conduct special investigations as directed by the government.
2. Conclusion
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) plays a crucial role in crime prevention, investigation, and law enforcement in Kenya. It works with national and international agencies to ensure justice, security, and public safety.
