The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has intensified efforts to combat criminal activity in Nairobi as security agencies lay the groundwork for a safe and secure environment ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election.
The agency said the move forms part of a broader multi-agency approach aimed at safeguarding public security and ensuring conditions remain conducive for a free, fair and credible electoral process.
Speaking in Nairobi, Regional Criminal Investigations Officer Setim Kandie said the DCI has put in place measures to address both emerging and persistent security threats in the capital.
Among the key areas of focus are organized criminal gangs, misinformation and disinformation campaigns, phone snatching, motor vehicle theft and fraudulent schemes commonly referred to as “kazi majuu” scams.
Kandie said the agency remains committed to its constitutional mandate to prevent and investigate crime, noting that security agencies are keen to tackle threats that could undermine public safety and confidence as political activities gradually gather momentum.
DCI Opens Reporting Channels to Public
The officer assured Nairobi residents that the DCI is operating an open-door policy and encouraged members of the public to continue sharing information on criminal activities and security concerns affecting their communities.
According to the agency, public cooperation remains critical in helping investigators detect crimes early and respond swiftly to emerging threats.
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The DCI noted that criminal networks and fraudsters often take advantage of economic challenges, unemployment and increased online activity to target unsuspecting victims through fake job opportunities and other deceptive schemes.
They have also in recent years raised concerns about the rise of online scams that promise jobs abroad, only for victims to lose thousands of shillings in registration fees, travel processing charges, and other payments demanded by fraudsters.
The agency also cited misinformation and disinformation as growing security concerns, especially as political stakeholders and voters shift their attention toward the next General Election.
To strengthen public participation in fighting crime, Kandie urged residents to make use of the National Police Service emergency numbers 999, 911 and 112 when reporting incidents.
“Information shared by members of the public is critical in helping us disrupt criminal networks, track suspects and respond swiftly to emerging security threats across the city,” Kandie said.
Members of the public can also share information anonymously through the DCI’s toll-free hotline, 0800 722 203, or via the agency’s WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.
Kandie emphasized that information provided by the public plays a key role in facilitating timely police action and disrupting criminal activities before they escalate.
Criminal Gangs Remain a Security Concern
The persistence of organized criminal gangs remains a major security concern in Kenya despite years of law enforcement operations aimed at dismantling them.
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According to the Organized Criminal Gangs Report in Kenya, 2025 by the National Crime Research Center, criminal gangs continue to operate across multiple counties, demonstrating significant resilience and adaptability.
The report found that many of these groups remain involved in activities including robbery, extortion, intimidation, assault, drug trafficking, and other forms of organized crime.
The report also noted that gangs often exploit socioeconomic challenges such as unemployment and poverty to recruit members, particularly in urban settlements.
Their continued presence has challenged security agencies, with some groups maintaining influence in specific localities despite periodic crackdowns.
Concerns over criminal gangs have also intensified ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Recent reports by rights organizations have documented incidents in which organized groups disrupted public meetings, protests and political gatherings, raising concerns about violence and public safety during the pre-election period.
In some cases, authorities arrested suspects on allegations of belonging to organized criminal groups after attacks on public events.
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