𝗞𝗲𝗻𝘆𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝘀 𝗗𝗖𝗜 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮’𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗘𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁, 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗜𝗱

Kenya today reached a defining milestone in the transformation of policing and the administration of justice as the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) received the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accreditation certificate for its Forensic Evidence Management Unit (FEMU) and officially launched the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS) – ABIS Version 5 at the DCI Headquarters.

The twin milestones underscore the Government’s commitment to strengthening scientific policing, accelerating digital transformation and aligning Kenya’s criminal justice system with internationally recognised standards.

The ceremony was presided over by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, EGH, and attended by the Inspector General of the National Police Service, Mr. Douglas Kanja; Director of Criminal Investigations, Mr. Mohammed Amin; Deputy Inspector General, Administration Police Service, Mr. Gilbert Masengeli; representatives of the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB); the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP); senior Government officials; development partners; and senior officers of the National Police Service.

The accreditation formally recognises the Forensic Evidence Management Unit of the National Police Service Forensic Laboratory as operating in accordance with internationally recognised standards for forensic evidence management, making it Africa’s first internationally accredited Forensic Evidence Management Unit.

Beyond the international recognition, the accreditation affirms Kenya’s commitment to preserving the integrity of forensic evidence throughout its lifecycle, strengthening the chain of custody and reinforcing confidence in the scientific processes that underpin criminal investigations, prosecutions and the administration of justice. 

The ceremony also witnessed the official launch of the MBIS – ABIS Version 5, an advanced biometric platform designed to modernise criminal records management, strengthen biometric identification and significantly improve the processing of Police Clearance Certificates. Under optimum operating conditions, the new system is expected to reduce Police Clearance Certificate processing time from an average of fourteen days to as little as one day, while enhancing the accuracy, security and efficiency of biometric identification.

Guests were subsequently treated to a live demonstration of the Multi-Biometric Identification System, offering a firsthand glimpse of its advanced biometric capabilities and enhanced workflow. The demonstration showcased how the platform streamlines biometric enrolment, identity verification and the processing of Police Clearance Certificate applications, underscoring its potential to transform service delivery.

In his address, Cabinet Secretary Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen described the accreditation of the FEMU and the launch of the MBIS as defining milestones in Kenya’s transition to science-driven, technology-enabled policing. He said the reforms demonstrate the Government’s commitment to modernising the National Police Service (NPS), strengthening the administration of justice and delivering faster, more efficient and citizen-centred services. 

Inspector General of the NPS, Mr. Douglas Kanja, described the twin milestones as landmark achievements that strengthen the NPS capacity to deliver professional, accountable and evidence-driven policing. He noted that the two milestones will enhance the integrity of criminal investigations, improve service delivery and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice.

Speaking during the ceremony, Director of Criminal Investigations Mr. Mohammed I. Amin said the accreditation of the Forensic Evidence Management Unit and the launch of MBIS represent a defining step towards building a modern criminal justice system founded on scientific excellence, technological innovation and internationally recognised best practices. He observed that while the accreditation strengthens the integrity of forensic evidence, the new biometric platform strengthens the integrity of identity, together reinforcing public confidence in the administration of justice. 

Mr. Amin further commended the officers at NPSFL and partners whose professionalism, dedication and pursuit of excellence made the achievement possible, describing the accreditation as a landmark milestone in Kenya’s journey towards establishing a world-class forensic science institution.

Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service, Mr. Gilbert Masengeli, described the achievements as significant milestones that strengthen the integrity of forensic evidence, enhance investigative capability and improve the efficiency of public services. He said the achievements reinforce public confidence in the criminal justice system while positioning the NPS to respond more effectively to emerging security challenges. 

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Renson Ingonga, said the accreditation of the Forensic Evidence Management Unit represents a major advancement in the administration of justice by strengthening the integrity, independence and credibility of forensic evidence. He noted that the internationally accredited evidence management framework promotes impartiality by minimising unnecessary interaction between investigators and forensic analysts, thereby reducing the risk of bias or compromise in criminal investigations and prosecutions.

The initial rollout of the Multi-Biometric Identification System will cover the DCI Headquarters Police Clearance Certificate Application Centre, five Huduma Centres within Nairobi County and two pilot police stations: Ngong and Kasarani for digital suspect enrolment, before progressively being rolled out in other parts of the country.

The National Police Service expressed its appreciation to the Government of Kenya, the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) and all development partners whose technical support, collaboration and shared commitment to institutional excellence made these historic achievements possible.

Also present at the ceremony were the Secretary Administration/Accounting Officer, NPS, Ms. Bernice Sialaal Lemedeket, EBS; National Police Service Commission Chairperson Dr. Amani Yuda Komora; Commissioner General of Prisons, Patrick Aranduh, CBS; Director General of eCitizen Services, Ambassador Isaac John Ochieng, among other dignitaries.