The Directorate of Criminals Investigations (DCI) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling both traditional and emerging forms of Sexual and Gender- Based Violence (SGBV) with a call for stronger regional cooperation and harmonized frameworks to close legal loopholes that benefit offenders.
Speaking on behalf of the Director DCI, Mohammed Amin, at the second regional roundtable on mechanism to counter emerging SGBV held at Novotel, Nairobi, Abdalla Komesha highlighted the shifting landscape of gender- based crimes. “While acts like rape, domestic abuse and female genital mutilation persist, we are increasingly confronted by digital threats such as cyber harassment, online trafficking and digital extortion,” he said.
Amin highlighted the DCI’s proactive efforts stating, “The DCI fully recognize the transnational nature of modern SGBV. Through our specialized units, such as the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit, and the Gender Desks at our station, combined with enhanced forensic capabilities, we strive to provide survivors with a response that is professional, empathetic and timely.”
He emphasized the importance of a coordinated legal and investigative response.
“We urge stakeholders to facilitate the development of a harmonized framework that incorporates standardized investigative procedures, mutual legal assistance and aligned legislation. No perpetrator should exploit gaps in our systems. Justice must be holistic going beyond prosecution to include survivor protection, psychological support, safe spaces and long-term reintegration,” Amin stated.
The roundtable was convened by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions(ODPP) in partnership with lawyers without borders, with Amin expressing appreciation for their role in hosting the forum. “We are grateful to the ODPP and Lawyers without Borders for providing this critical platform to strengthen our collective resolve,” he noted.
The two- day workshop, attended by key justice sectors stakeholders from across East Africa, builds on discussions from the first roundtable in February 2025, focusing on cross- border strategies and the development of standardize approach to both convectional and modern forms of SGBV.
Among those present were Renson Ingonga, Director of Public Prosecutions, Supreme Court Judge Lady Justice Njoki Ndung’u, Jessica Ryckman, Executive Director of Lawyers without Boarders, Ulrich Jaenen, Country Component Lead of the Police Programme Africa and Margaret Nderi, Criminal Intelligence Officer at Interpol Soteria, alongside other key justice and security officials.
The forum concluded with a shared resolve to develop actionable plans and reinforce networking across borders to protect vulnerable populations and bring perpetrators to justice effectively.
