The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of Kenya, Renson Ingonga, has called on prosecutors across Africa to adopt innovative approaches, leverage technology, and strengthen regional collaboration to tackle emerging forms of crime.

Speaking at the 3rd Annual Prosecutors Conference in Lusaka, Zambia, under the theme “The Evolving Role of a Prosecutor in a Complex World; Innovation and Sustainable Practice,” Ingonga said today’s prosecutors need more than legal knowledge they must also understand technology and strategic crime trends.

“As the world changes, so must the way we prosecute. The challenges we face require more than legal expertise; they need foresight and creativity,” he said, emphasizing the role of prosecutors in protecting public trust, often under tight resource constraints.

As President of both the Africa Prosecutors Association and the Eastern Africa Association of Prosecutors, Ingonga highlighted recent initiatives to train prosecutors in transnational crimes, including terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering, cybercrime, and human trafficking. He stressed the need for effective regional mechanisms to dismantle criminal networks that operate across borders.

Ingonga outlined Kenya’s strategies to meet these challenges. The ODPP has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Human Trafficking Institute to provide specialized training and established an Innovative Prosecutions Performance Framework Council to encourage creative responses to emerging crimes.

The office also uses forensic accounting, electronic data analysis, and prosecution-led investigations, which have contributed to convictions in major corruption and financial crime cases.

On child protection, Ingonga described online child sexual exploitation as “an urgent crisis of our digital age.” Kenya has set up child-friendly interview rooms in its regional offices and uses digital forensic evidence and pre-recorded testimonies to handle cases involving child pornography, trafficking, and online abuse.

The DPP also highlighted efforts to address financial crimes related to cryptocurrency through a revamped Anti-Money Laundering and Asset Forfeiture Division.

Beyond crime-fighting, Ingonga stressed the importance of prosecutors’ mental health. Under the ODPP Strategic Plan 2023-2027, clinical officers have been embedded within offices, and wellness programs rolled out, helping reduce burnout and strengthen staff resilience.

“As prosecutors, mental wellness is as important as case preparation. It’s not a weakness; it’s a strategy,” he noted.

The conference brought together prosecutors from across Africa to share best practices, discuss trends in emerging crimes, and explore innovative approaches to prosecution.