Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has called for stronger cooperation among criminal justice agencies, saying quality investigations, reliable data and effective evidence gathering are essential to improving policing accountability and public confidence in Kenya.
Ingonga made the remarks during an inter-agency collaboration on data and learning oversight and an Executive Committee retreat convened by the International Justice Mission (IJM) in Naivasha.
He said effective prosecutions depend on thorough investigations, proper evidence collection, accurate record-keeping, timely referrals and coordination among institutions involved in the administration of justice.
The DPP emphasised that strengthening these processes was critical to ensuring successful prosecutions and promoting accountability across the criminal justice system.
He also called for a broader approach to data collection, noting that information gathered by criminal justice institutions should serve purposes beyond generating statistics.
According to Ingonga, reliable data should inform decision-making, identify gaps in justice delivery and guide institutional reforms. He added that shared learning and coordinated institutional leadership were important in promoting professional policing and strengthening public trust in law enforcement agencies.
The emphasis on investigations reflects the relationship between police work and prosecution, with prosecutors relying on evidence gathered by investigative agencies to assess cases and determine whether they meet the threshold for prosecution.
Delays in submitting investigation files, incomplete evidence and poor coordination can complicate case preparation, making cooperation between investigators and prosecutors important to the administration of justice.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has previously highlighted the importance of information-sharing among criminal justice institutions as part of efforts to improve efficiency and accountability.
Ingonga’s strategic agenda has proposed stronger information management and data-sharing mechanisms involving prosecutors, courts, investigative agencies and detention facilities to improve coordination across the justice system.
The ODPP has also partnered with IJM on initiatives aimed at strengthening prosecution services, including capacity-building, policy development and programmes intended to improve outcomes for victims and witnesses.
Reliable data can help institutions monitor performance, identify weaknesses and make informed decisions on reforms. However, its effectiveness depends on accurate records, appropriate information-sharing and the ability of agencies to act on the findings.
