Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has been recognized as the top investigative agency in Africa. This distinction was announced by the National Police Service (NPS) after a survey conducted by Kenya Trak, a research and survey firm.

The evaluation ranked agencies based on their effectiveness in handling major criminal cases, operational efficiency, and use of modern investigative techniques.


"The DCI has consistently excelled in investigations through collaborations with organizations such as INTERPOL, the FBI, the German Agency for International Cooperation, and the National Crime Agency, among others. These partnerships allow for expertise sharing, advanced training, and the integration of technology in areas like cybercrime, forensic investigations, anti-terrorism, and anti-narcotics," the NPS highlighted.

Following Kenya's DCI, Ghana's Criminal Investigation Department and Uganda's Criminal Investigation Department ranked second and third, respectively. Ethiopia's National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Morocco's General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST), and Egypt's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) secured fourth, fifth, and sixth places.

Rounding out the top ten were Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Services in seventh, Zimbabwe's CID, Botswana’s Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS), and South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).


The report emphasized that in 2024, Africa's criminal investigative agencies are not only fighting crime but also adapting to emerging challenges. "From addressing cybercrime to countering terrorist threats, these agencies are increasingly sophisticated, leveraging technology and global cooperation to stay ahead. Despite their unique strengths, they share a common mission: to safeguard their nations and uphold justice."

The survey's goal was to identify and analyze Africa's leading criminal investigative agencies based on their crime-fighting efficiency and contribution to national and regional security.