The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has unveiled a specialised Counter-Organised Immigration Crime Team (COICT) to strengthen Kenya’s fight against human trafficking, migrant smuggling and other transnational crimes.
The 29-member team was flagged off on Friday after completing specialised training at the Border Police Training Campus in Kanyonyoo, Kitui County. The officers, drawn from across the National Police Service, will be deployed to key border stations under the DCI’s Serious Crime Unit.
Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, who presided over the ceremony on behalf of Inspector General Douglas Kanja, said the specialised unit will enhance Kenya’s capacity to respond to increasingly sophisticated cross-border criminal networks.
Mr Amin urged the officers to uphold integrity, professionalism and accountability in the execution of their duties, warning that the National Police Service maintains a zero-tolerance policy on corruption and negligence.
“The responsibility you now carry goes beyond completing the training. You are expected to protect the country’s borders, uphold justice and safeguard the public,” he said.
The training was conducted under the Kenya-UK Border Security Programme, a bilateral initiative aimed at strengthening border management and combating organised immigration crime through enhanced cooperation between the two countries.
Representing the British High Commission, Ben Fisher described the launch of the unit as a milestone in Kenya-UK security cooperation, saying it is the first specialised counter-organised immigration crime capability established in East Africa.
Administration Police Service Director of Security Operations Jackson Kangani challenged the graduates to ensure the impact of their training is reflected in dismantling criminal networks, rescuing victims and improving public safety.
Mr Amin also praised the Border Police Training Campus for its role in preparing officers to tackle emerging security threats, including terrorism, trafficking and cross-border organised crime, while thanking the UK Government and development partners for supporting the programme.
The graduation ceremony was attended by senior National Police Service officers, representatives of the British High Commission and other partners involved in implementing the Kenya-UK Border Security Programme.
