Nairobi, Kenya - On 10 April 2026, the IIJ was pleased to support the launch of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) of Kenya’s Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) Guidelines.
This important milestone reflects the dedication and leadership of prosecutors from the ODPP’s International Cooperation, Mutual Legal Assistance and Extradition (IME) Unit, who developed the Guidelines with technical support from the IIJ under the Canada-funded project “Building Strong Procedural Mechanisms for Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) – Phase 2.”
The Guidelines serve as a comprehensive reference tool, providing clear and standardised procedures for the drafting, prioritisation, and execution of MLA requests. They address key technical areas such as the collection of banking and communications evidence, search and seizure protocols, and the tracing and confiscation of assets.
As a priority under the ODPP Strategic Plan 2023–2027, this initiative aims to enhance international cooperation, reduce procedural inconsistencies, and strengthen the capacity of prosecutors to respond effectively to complex transnational threats, including terrorism, money laundering, and cybercrime.
At the launch event, ODPP Secretary of Prosecution Services, Mr. Alloys Kemo, delivered remarks on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Renson Ingonga. Representatives of key Kenyan law enforcement and justice agencies, such as the Attorney General’s Office, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, as well as international partners, including the IIJ, provided congratulatory words to the ODPP. The keynote address was delivered by Justice Kanyi Kimondo. All attendees highlighted the relevance, usefulness and importance of the Guidelines.
The IIJ commends the ODPP for this significant achievement. The Guidelines are aligned with Kenya’s international obligations under the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and promote the use of international best practices, including the UNODC MLA Request Writer Tool.