On 10 November, the IIJ supported an external validation workshop in Nairobi, bringing together the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), national institutions, and international partners to review new prosecutorial internal guidelines for Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA).
Generously funded by Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada, this event builds on recent IIJ-led efforts, launched in December 2022, to strengthen judicial cooperation and harmonize MLA practices among Kenyan authorities. Once validated, the guidelines will direct all prosecutors in Kenya in their efforts to respond to incoming MLA requests and to prepare outgoing requests destined to foreign counterparts. Ultimately, the guidelines and a better streamlined MLA process internally to the ODPP will help with Kenya’s efforts to prevent and repress terrorist acts.
Mr. Nkaduda Hiribae, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, gave opening remarks alongside representatives from the British High Commission as well as the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Nairobi, highlighting the importance of strengthening judicial cooperation and harmonising MLA practices among Kenyan authorities. Following the validation session, the ODPP will incorporate the feedback received and update the draft Guidelines which will then be formally adopted and launch in the first half of 2026.
Phase I of the project ‘Building Strong Procedural Mechanisms for Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA)’, launched in 2022 under the IIJ Global Central Authorities Initiative (GCAI), supported the development of national roadmaps and international judicial cooperation (IJC) frameworks for Kenya and Somalia. Phase II, while maintaining this focus, expands efforts to strengthen IJC mechanisms across the East African region, including sicx East African countries, to more effectively address cross border security threats and enhance collaboration among neighbouring countries facing common challenges. The IIJ organized a regional workshop focused on exchanging good practices in Istanbul, Türkiye, in October 2025, building on an IJC needs and gaps assessment.