FBI to Boost Kenya's Investigative Capacity With New Nairobi Office

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will expand its operations in Nairobi under a new agreement with Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), including the creation of a regional anti-corruption role within the agency’s Nairobi office.

The announcement was made on Saturday, 9 May, during a meeting at the DCI Headquarters at Mazingira Complex in Nairobi. FBI Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey led the US delegation as the two agencies renewed their commitment to joint investigations and intelligence sharing.

Under the agreement, the FBI will establish a Regional Transnational Anti-Corruption Programme Manager position within its Legal Attaché Office in Nairobi. The role will focus on improving technical support, specialised training, and coordination in investigations involving corruption and other cross-border crimes.

DCI Director Mohamed Amin said the FBI partnership has supported efforts to strengthen Kenya’s investigative capacity. He cited cooperation in investigations involving terrorism, cybercrime, financial fraud, narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering.

The two agencies also agreed to expand collaboration in digital forensics, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency investigations, and predictive analytics. The measures are intended to improve the ability of law enforcement agencies to respond to organised criminal networks operating across borders.

Bailey said stronger anti-corruption systems help protect public institutions and support economic growth by increasing investor confidence. The expanded FBI presence in Nairobi reflects growing cooperation between Kenyan and US authorities in addressing transnational crime.

Kenya has faced cases involving cybercrime networks, money laundering operations, and trafficking syndicates, increasing the need for international coordination in investigations. The DCI and FBI said the partnership will continue to focus on sharing expertise, technology, and investigative support in efforts to combat regional and international criminal activity.