Police to spend Sh9b on DNA data, says CS

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i.

The National Police Service wants to use Sh9.2 billion in the coming three years to develop an information system that will include a centralised crime and criminals database.

Once actualised, the system will give police access to citizen data and improve their efficiency in dealing with crime.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i said the ministry had spent enough time discussing the harmonisation of the citizen background data needed by the police. 

“As we keep data of offenders, we will be seeking legislative reviews on whether we would be allowed to keep the DNA data of offenders. Once we have profiled them, we can actually keep that data so that it is easier for the DCI to trace hardcore criminals,” said Matiang’i.

The data that the DCI has, he said, would transition to the digital platform, including the registration numbers of the firearm holders enabled investigating officers to complete investigations faster.

The Interior ministry, Matiang’i said, was building a new public data architecture that would be used by the police. “When we issue the new generation driving licences that will have a microchip, it will make it easier for officers to deal with traffic-related offences and to have actual data of individuals to profile them,” he said.

The modernisation plan is part of the priority areas the National Police Service has outlined in its four-year strategic plan launched yesterday at the Kenya School of Government Campus in Lower Kabete. 

Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai said the strategic plan would help streamline the overlaps of service delivery.

Immediate former IG Joseph Boinnet urged officers and partners to rally around the plan.