The National Police Service (NPS) has entered into a strategic partnership with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US DEA) through the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing the fight against transnational drug-related crimes.
The agreement was signed today by Inspector General of Police Mr. Douglas Kanja on behalf of the NPS, and Mr. Jason Schumacher, Special Agent in Charge of Africa and the Middle East for the US DEA.
The MoU establishes a framework for intensified collaboration between Kenyan law enforcement and the US DEA in tackling illicit drug trafficking, money laundering, and other narcotics-related criminal enterprises that threaten both regional and international security.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, IG Kanja underscored the growing threat of narcotics and the importance of global partnerships in addressing the menace. He lauded the US DEA for its longstanding support in capacity building, intelligence sharing, and operational cooperation.
โThis MoU signifies our shared commitment to dismantling drug networks and ensuring a safer, more secure society,โ Kanja stated.
Mr. Schumacher, accompanied by US DEA Country Attachรฉ Mr. Karl Ash and his team, emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with Kenyaโs law enforcement agencies, noting that the region plays a critical role in international drug trafficking routes.
Other officials present from the US delegation included Deputy Attachรฉs Mr. Mathias Walls and Mr. Scott Jenkins, International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Deputy Director and East Africa Coordinator Ms. Parvathy Sankar, and Nairobi-based Law Enforcement Liaison Officer Ms. Ruth Muinde.
Key figures from the NPS leadership witnessing the ceremony included Director of Criminal Investigations Mr. Mohamed Amin; Principal Assistant to the IG Mr. Mathew Kutoh, SAIG; Director Legal Mr. Amos Omuga, AIG; Director of Corporate Communications Mr. Muchiri Nyaga, AIG; and Director of the Anti-Narcotics Unit Mr. Samuel Laboso, CP.
The partnership is expected to bolster joint enforcement efforts, facilitate information exchange, and promote advanced training and technology transfer between the two agencies in combating drug-related and transnational crimes.
