The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a specialised unit to pursue criminals operating in the murky world of digital currency, aiming to protect Kenyans from a rising tide of complex online scams.

This move comes as Kenya solidifies its position as a continental hub for cryptocurrency, with over six million citizens owning digital assets. The rapid growth, however, has exposed citizens to significant risks, including fraud, money laundering, and terrorism financing, prompting a decisive response from law enforcement.

The new Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Investigation Training Module, unveiled in Nairobi on Monday, is fully funded and technically supported by the European Union (EU), marking a significant step in a long-standing security partnership.

A New Frontier in Law Enforcement

Speaking at the launch, Rosemary Kuraru, the Director of the National Forensic Laboratory, emphasized the DCI's commitment to staying ahead of criminal syndicates. Representing DCI Director Mohamed Amin, Kuraru noted that as criminals migrate to digital spaces that offer anonymity, law enforcement must innovate with equal speed.

The training programme is designed to equip officers with the niche expertise required to navigate the complex crypto ecosystem. Key skills include:

• Tracing and analysing blockchain transactions.
• Investigating crimes related to digital wallets and cryptocurrency exchanges.
• Applying international best practices in digital forensics.
• Enhancing cross-border cooperation to tackle transnational digital crimes.

This initiative is critical for Kenya, which has been identified as a hub for cybercrime in Africa and was recently placed on a global financial watchdog's 'grey list' due to gaps in curbing illicit financial flows.

Protecting Kenyans' Digital Wealth

The proliferation of digital assets has brought both opportunity and peril. While many Kenyans use cryptocurrency for remittances and as an alternative financial solution, thousands have also fallen victim to fraudsters, losing billions of shillings. This new DCI unit aims to restore confidence and build a safer digital marketplace by making it harder for illicit actors to operate.

The partnership with the EU is part of a broader collaboration to enhance regional and global security. Kuraru commended the EU for its investment in building Kenya's operational capacity to detect, investigate, and disrupt these emerging threats, reinforcing the nation's role as a regional leader in modern policing.

As Kuraru affirmed, the rapid pace of technological change demands an equally innovative law enforcement response to safeguard the nation's economic and security interests in the digital age.