Government Chemist Acquires New Kits For Fast DNA Results

By Wilkister Alao / Published August 30, 2019 | 7:10 am

The government chemist has recently acquired new hi-tech machines that will see them take a shorter time to give DNA results.

The new Series Genetic Analysers, which can handle 24 stains in 35 minutes, unlike the old ones that could only handle 16 stains in 45 minutes, have been installed in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa.

The 3500 kits will help with the hundreds of pending tests whose results were yet to be given due to lack of capacity.

Chief Government Chemist Ali Gakweli said that the acquisition of these kits will see their organizations output enhanced and many cases will henceforth be solved even at the county level.

“We would like to clear cases that are pending before courts given the new machines can analyze many stains within a short time. And with devolved services we will be able to solve cases within no time,” he said.

He said he had plans in place to have his staff work long hours to ensure that they reduce the workload.

The 40 million shilling machines are the first genetic analyzers designed with a specific feature set and workflow for human identification application and will be used in cases such as murder, robbery with violence, rape, child trafficking, and hit and run accidents, among others.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i, while unveiling the equipment, said his ministry is going to work closely to ensure DNA cases are solved in good time.

“We are happy we now have these machines. The best thing any government can do for its people is to solve crimes within a short time,” said Dr. Matiang’i.

He promised to increase funds and vehicles to help ease the mobility of staff each time they are needed in court and for easy operations.

He mentioned the moving of Government Chemist from the Ministry of health to Interior ministry so that the department works hand in hand with the DCI in solving crimes.

“The department is handling the forensic chemistry and forensic biology which are more complicated while the DCI is handling fingerprints, cyber-crime, ballistics, and handwriting analysis,” explained the CS.