Kenya has taken a monumental step in transforming its security and criminal justice systems following the official launch of the Multi Biometric Identification System (MBIS–ABIS Version 5) and the presentation of the internationally recognized ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) certificate to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ Forensic Evidence Management Unit (FEMU).
The event, presided over by Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen at the DCI Headquarters, signaled the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s policing landscape, one that places science, technology and innovation at the centre of crime detection, investigations and public service delivery.
Speaking during the launch, Murkomen described the twin milestones as a defining moment in Kenya’s journey towards building a modern, professional and citizen centred security architecture capable of addressing emerging security challenges with speed, accuracy and accountability.
The Cabinet Secretary hailed the international accreditation of the Forensic Evidence Management Unit as a historic achievement that places Kenya among the global leaders in forensic science. He noted that the accreditation makes Kenya the first country in Africa to attain such recognition for its forensic evidence management, a development that significantly enhances the credibility of criminal investigations while strengthening confidence in the country’s justice system.
“Modern justice depends on credible scientific evidence and emphasized that the accreditation guarantees that forensic evidence collected by investigators will now meet internationally accepted standards from collection and preservation to presentation before the courts,” he said, lamenting that the achievement, reinforces Kenya’s commitment to ensuring justice is guided by facts, professionalism and integrity.
The sophisticated system increases Kenya’s biometric records capacity from two million to ten million while boosting fingerprint search capability from 4,500 to 20,000 searches every day. It is also expected to dramatically improve service delivery by reducing the processing time for Police Clearance Certificates from as long as two weeks to only twenty four hours.
He said the Government is already working towards integrating the platform with key national and international institutions including the National Registration Bureau, the Judiciary, the Department of Immigration and INTERPOL. The integration will facilitate real time intelligence sharing, faster identity verification and enhanced cross border collaboration in combating transnational crime.
In a move aimed at bringing services closer to wananchi, the CS announced that biometric enrolment capabilities will be rolled out to police stations across the country, enabling faster investigations while improving access to critical government services.
He noted that the introduction of the next generation system is a direct response to long standing public concerns over delays in investigations, slow processing of police clearance certificates and inefficiencies in handling forensic evidence. According to Murkomen, embracing advanced technology will not only improve operational efficiency but also restore public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
The Cabinet Secretary further disclosed that the Government is expanding reforms beyond the Forensic Evidence Management Unit, revealing that specialized units including Chemistry, Biology, Bomb Disposal, Cyber and Digital Forensics are already pursuing similar international accreditation as Kenya continues strengthening its forensic capabilities.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to sustained investment in technology, institutional reforms and professional excellence, noting that the transformation of the security sector remains central to the country’s development agenda. He added that every police station, forensic laboratory and investigative unit will continue receiving the necessary policy support, coordination and resources to achieve world class standards.
Murkomen also commended the National Police Service, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, development partners including ANAB and ICITAP, and all stakeholders whose collective efforts made the historic achievement possible.
As Kenya accelerates the modernization of its security infrastructure, the launch of the Multi Biometric Identification System and the international accreditation of the Forensic Evidence Management Unit stand as powerful symbols of a country embracing innovation to strengthen justice, enhance public trust and safeguard national security.
The milestones position Kenya as a regional leader in forensic science and digital policing while laying a firm foundation for a more efficient, transparent and technologically advanced criminal justice system.
The event was attended by Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, representatives of the United States Embassy, ANAB, the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP), IDEMIA and other officials.
The Multi Biometric Identification System, is an advanced digital platform designed to revolutionize identity management and criminal investigations across the country.
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