Karatina University, through its Directorate of Community Outreach, held a capacity-building workshop on 22nd October 2026 for National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) in Mathira East Sub-County to strengthen the enforcement of alcohol and drug control laws and improve the handling of cases from investigation to prosecution.
The workshop followed a multi-stakeholder forum on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (ADA) Mitigation held at the University on 11th September 2026, where chiefs and assistant chiefs raised concerns about challenges encountered in enforcing alcohol and drug control laws, particularly the difficulties in preparing cases for successful prosecution.
Prof. Margaret Mwenje, Director Community Outreach addressing the audience
In response, the directorate of community outreach Led by Prof. Margret Mwenje, brought together frontline enforcement officers and practitioners from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Karatina Law Courts and probation services to provide practical guidance on strengthening case preparation and improving collaboration across the criminal justice system.
A section of the audience keenly following through the presentations.
Speaking during the workshop, the Assistant County Commissioner for Kirimara Division, Mr. Titus Kiachi, emphasized on the importance of building cases within the law and ensuring that evidence is properly collected, preserved and documented. Proper evidence management is essential in supporting investigations and building cases that can withstand legal scrutiny.
On the other hand, the Senior Prosecution Counsel Mr. Martin Mwongera and the Officer in Charge of ODPP in Mathira East, Mr. Joseph Mugo Njagi, guided participants on identifying appropriate charges, aligning offences with available evidence and preparing comprehensive investigation files to support prosecution.
From the judicial perspective, Senior Principal Magistrate at Karatina Law Courts, Hon. Eva Kanyiri Kaimenyi, highlighted the importance of credible and admissible evidence, accurate documentation and adherence to legal procedures. Her session helped participants understand how weaknesses in case preparation and presentation can affect court outcomes.
During the workshop the participants also explored the role of probation services in the criminal justice system. The Officer in Charge of Probation and Aftercare in Mathira East, explained how probation assessments and reports inform court decisions and support rehabilitation and reintegration where applicable.
The engagement provided officers with an opportunity to interact with professionals across the criminal justice system, deepen their understanding of lawful enforcement procedures and identify areas requiring closer coordination.
Prof. Margaret Mwenje (right) presents a certificate to Hon. Eva Kanyiri Kaimenyi during the capacity-building workshop.
Participants welcomed the practical insights shared during the workshop and expressed confidence that the knowledge acquired would strengthen their effectiveness in handling alcohol and drug-related cases. The discussions further underscored the importance of collaboration among enforcement officers, investigators, prosecutors, judicial officers and probation services in addressing weaknesses along the justice chain. Through the community outreach programmes, we continue to engage public institutions and local stakeholders in addressing challenges affecting communities. This initiative reinforces the importance of coordinated action in strengthening law enforcement and mitigating the harmful effects of alcohol and drug abuse in Mathira East Sub-County.
The participants pose for a group photo after the successful capacity building workshop.