By Grace Gilo
The British High Commissioner to Kenya, H.E. Neil Wigan, alongside the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen and the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Douglas Kanja, presided over the launch of the revamped ‘Fichua kwa DCI’ call centre at the DCI Headquarters, Nairobi.
Established with the support of the British High Commission and launched on 10th December 2020, the ‘Fichua kwa DCI’ call centre facilitates anonymous criminal intelligence reports from both local and international sources via the toll-free line 0800 722 203.
Following the upgrade, it now also operates through a WhatsApp number: 0709 570 000.
“The centre enables the public to share real-time crime information confidentially and safely, leading to valuable intelligence that has resulted in recoveries, arrests, interceptions and interventions,” stated the National Police Service (NPS).
According to NPS, key upgrades under the reinvent programme include installation and configuration of a power backup inverter, the establishment of an advanced recovery server, and the implementation of an anonymous WhatsApp reporting system.
In his address, CS Murkomen stated that the launch demonstrates a strong commitment to proactive public safety by embracing people-centred policing, fostering greater collaboration between law enforcement officers and the community.
H.E. Neil Wigan highlighted the programme’s successes over the past five years, particularly in bringing criminals to justice for homicide, counter-terrorism, narcotics smuggling and human trafficking, making Kenya safer.
He expressed optimism that the upgrade would encourage the public to report crimes more confidently, enhance transparency and improve investigations.
The Inspector General welcomed the Cabinet Secretary and the High Commissioner to the DCI Headquarters, noting that their presence underscored their support for National Police Service initiatives and a shared commitment to enhancing safety and security for all in Kenya.
He described the launch as a reaffirmation of the Service’s focus on community-oriented, people-centred policing.
Also in attendance were the DIG-APS, Mr. Gilbert Masengeli; Director of Criminal Investigations, Mr.Mohamed Amin; Deputy Director of Criminal Investigations, Mr. John Onyango, SAIG, among other senior officers.