𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗬𝗔 𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗣𝗢𝗟 𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗠 𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗔𝗦𝗞𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗖𝗘 (𝗩𝗜𝗗𝗧𝗙) 𝗔𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reaffirmed its commitment to fighting crimes against children during the opening of the Fourth INTERPOL Victim Identification Taskforce (VIDTF) Africa at the DCI Headquarters. This five-day exercise, which brought together investigators from 21 African member countries across the continent, was officially opened by Ms. Rosemary Kuraru, Director of Personnel,  on behalf of Mr. Mohamed I. Amin, the Director of DCI.

In his remarks, the Director DCI expressed gratitude to the INTERPOL General Secretariat and the Crimes Against Children Desk. He appreciated their efforts in helping to facilitate this important gathering and for trusting Kenya to host such a vital regional initiative. "Child sexual exploitation and abuse remain among the most serious threats to children globally. This issue transcends borders and needs a coordinated international response," he stated.

Over the next five days, investigators from different INTERPOL member countries will work together to improve victim identification efforts; they will strengthen ongoing investigations and enhance cross-border cooperation to rescue vulnerable children and ensure that offenders face justice. The Director DCI further emphasized that the sensitive nature of this work requires high standards of professionalism, resilience, and a strong commitment to prioritising the welfare of children.

"The task ahead requires not only professionalism and resilience but also a steady dedication to keeping children at the centre of our efforts. Behind every case file is a life deeply affected by exploitation," he noted. Reaffirming Kenya's strong commitment to international cooperation, the Director DCI highlighted the DCI's determination to collaborate closely with INTERPOL and other partners to dismantle child exploitation networks. "Kenya is dedicated to working with INTERPOL, National Central Bureaus, and all our regional and international allies to ensure that those who commit these horrible crimes find no safe haven," he affirmed.

The Fourth VIDTF Africa emphasizes the critical importance of international collaboration in protecting children, identifying victims, supporting investigations, and strengthening the global fight against child sexual exploitation and abuse.