Overview
- Act: National Coroners Service Act, 2017 (Act No. 18 of 2017)
- Formed: 2017
- CEO:
The National Coroners Service (NCS) in Kenya was established by the National Coroners Service Act, 2017 (Act No. 18 of 2017), with operations commencing on July 7, 2017. The NCS is responsible for investigating unnatural, violent, or sudden deaths, including those occurring in police custody. Its mandate includes ensuring justice and accountability in death investigations, offering a critical mechanism for enhancing public trust in the legal and justice systems. The service aims to provide thorough and impartial investigations, contributing to the rule of law and safeguarding human rights in Kenya.
Functions
- Investigate Unnatural Deaths: Conduct investigations into deaths that are violent, unnatural, or suspicious, including accidents, suicides, and homicides.
- Examine Deaths in Custody: Investigate deaths that occur in police or other institutional custody, ensuring accountability and transparency.
- Establish Cause of Death: Determine the cause and manner of death, especially in cases of unexplained or suspicious circumstances.
- Provide Public Reports: Publish findings and reports on death investigations, contributing to public awareness and legal transparency.
- Support Legal Proceedings: Provide information and evidence for legal proceedings, including court cases related to unnatural deaths.
- Offer Expert Testimony: Provide expert testimony on matters related to cause of death and forensic investigations during court hearings.
- Promote Human Rights: Safeguard human rights by ensuring fair and impartial investigations into suspicious deaths, particularly in cases involving law enforcement.
- Enhance Justice and Accountability: Ensure that justice is served by investigating deaths and holding responsible parties accountable, especially in cases of police involvement.
- Collaboration with Other Agencies: Work with other government agencies, including law enforcement and health authorities, to conduct thorough investigations.
- Capacity Building and Training: Train coroners, forensic experts, and other personnel involved in death investigations to ensure professionalism and effectiveness in handling death cases.
Important Links
Address & Contacts
- P.O. Box 30119–00100, Nairobi, Kenya
- Nyayo House, Kenyatta Avenue
- info@interior.go.ke
- (+254) -020-2221411