By Jameson
Kenya has unveiled a new Counter Terrorism and Counter Financing of Terrorism Prosecution Curriculum (CT/CFT), marking a major milestone in strengthening the country’s fight against terrorism and transnational organized crime, and reinforcing regional efforts to combat evolving security threats.
Speaking during the launch of the curriculum in Nairobi on Monday, Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Igonga said the initiative is designed to equip prosecutors and law enforcement agencies with the knowledge and practical tools necessary to effectively investigate and prosecute terrorism and related financial crimes.
He noted that the curriculum builds on recent prosecutorial successes, including high profile cases in which suspects were convicted for financing and facilitating terrorist activities. Among them was a landmark bioterrorism case involving a medical doctor who plotted to deploy anthrax, a biological weapon, in a scheme that attracted both local and international attention.
“The lessons learned and strategies applied in these cases have been incorporated into the curriculum,” Igonga said, adding that the training adopts a network versus network approach to dismantle the financial and logistical support structures of terror groups.
The programme will be rolled out at the Prosecution Training Institute and integrates real world tools in digital evidence preservation, cross border cooperation and financial investigations. Igonga emphasized the importance of collaboration with international partners, including the British High Commission, the United States Department of Justice and the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law, among others.
A key focus of the curriculum is navigating complex virtual legal systems and securing digital and financial evidence from foreign jurisdictions. Igonga highlighted the growing threat posed by cybercrimes such as impersonation and phishing, as well as the use of cryptocurrencies and virtual assets to move funds anonymously across borders.
“The digital landscape has facilitated a new generation of high value cybercrimes which terrorist groups increasingly exploit as primary tools to raise illicit funds,” he said.
The training also addresses the link between terrorism and organized crime in Eastern Africa, particularly illicit trafficking and cross border criminal activities that serve as financial engines for extremist groups. The curriculum is grounded in international legal frameworks, including United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2195 and 2462, which require states to suppress all forms of terrorist financing.
Igonga further underscored the role of specialized judicial infrastructure, pointing to the Kahawa Law Courts, established in 2020 as Kenya’s dedicated court for terrorism and transnational organized crime cases. He said the court has significantly contributed to the development of jurisprudence in complex terrorism trials.
Beyond legal and technical frameworks, the Director stressed the importance of centering victims in the justice process and providing mental health support for prosecutors exposed to traumatic evidence in high stakes cases.
“The pursuit of justice in these environments carries a heavy psychological burden,” he said, noting that the curriculum incorporates trauma informed practices to enhance resilience among counter terrorism prosecutors.
Igonga thanked international advisers and partners who contributed to the development of the manual and expressed confidence that the initiative will enhance Kenya’s capacity to secure convictions and respond effectively to evolving security threats in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
