The state of forensic investigation in Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to explore the state of forensics investigation in Kenya. In specific terms, the study sought to describe the process of forensic investigation, establish the level of training of the experts, examine systems in place for observing human rights and codes of ethics and the challenges faced by forensic investigators in the country. The study was guided by actor network theory which evolved from the interdisciplinary field of science and technology studies that study science and technology as influenced by social and cultural factors. The study used both exploratory and descriptive research designs. It was conducted in Nairobi County which has eight sub-counties and covered Central Nairobi, Embakasi and Kasarani. The study targeted the practitioners in scenes of crime under forensics in the National Police Service. Critical case sampling was used to select the units of analysis and 12 practitioners were selected through snowball sampling. Information from key informants was used to cross-check the validity of the responses from respondents and to strengthen the findings. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and key informant interviews. Qualitative data from key informant interviews and semi-structured interviews from the scenes of crime were analysed thematically and the respondent‟s verbal quotations presented using pseudonyms. . The study found that the department has not achieved its full potential because of the breakdown in the subsystems, thus rendering it slow and somehow inefficient. The department is not advanced for it lacks modern equipment to handle sophisticated crime scenes and the infrastructure in place is underdeveloped. In addition, due to inadequacy of specialized training for the officers the department faces numerous challenges. The challenges range from individual, institutional and sectional, and are experienced by all officers. These challenges prevent it from meeting the expectations of the public and fails in ensuring there is good evidence to be submitted to court. From the findings it can be concluded that the state of forensic investigation in Kenya is very low for it has not achieved its full potential due to poor infrastructure, lack of standard procedure to be followed, and absence of policies in terms of forensic investigation, poor infrastructure and tools, and inadequacy of specialized experts to handle the scenes. Thus, the study recommends empowering of the experts through training, improvement of facilities, introduction of new technologies, proper funding and clearly outlined policies and codes of conduct.