Hope as Kenya gets forensic laboratory
What you need to know:
- The Sh1 billion National Crime Forensic laboratory has been established at the Kenya Medical Research Institute.
- Director of Medical Services Nicholas Muraguri emphasised the need for robust forensic medicine systems in Kenya.
- And in a speech read on his behalf by Dr Muraguri, Health Cabinet Secretary James Macharia called for development of forensics in Africa.
Kenya has made a major step towards solving murder cases following the acquisition of a DNA identification laboratory.
The DNA identification laboratory will come in handy in forensic research and investigations .
The Sh1 billion National Crime Forensic laboratory has been established at the Kenya Medical Research Institute.
Other cases the lab is expected to solve are domestic violence, terrorist attacks and rapes, which have for years stalled due to lack of resources and equipment.
Director of Medical Services Nicholas Muraguri emphasised the need for robust forensic medicine systems in Kenya.
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He said many cases, especially those relating to gender-based violence, are poorly investigated due to lack of proper forensic investigations.
“Resources are limited for forensic medicine in the country and this leads to a backlog of unresolved cases. This facility will support and strengthen government institutions such as the ministry of Health and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations,” said Dr Muraguri.
He spoke yesterday during the African Society of Forensic Medicine Conference held in Nairobi for the first time.
And in a speech read on his behalf by Dr Muraguri, Health Cabinet Secretary James Macharia called for development of forensics in Africa.
“This conference aims at promoting the appropriate use of Forensic Medicine in medical practice and in the justice system of various jurisdictions within Africa and sharing best practices,” said Mr Macharia.
Kenya sends samples for forensic examinations to South Africa and Germany for forensic analysis.
