The Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) has been rebranded as the Counter-Terrorism Bureau (CTB) as part of ongoing reforms within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The new bureau will continue to focus on preventing, disrupting and investigating terrorism-related activities in Kenya and the wider region.
Speaking during the official launch of Kenya’s Counter-Terrorism Hotline and Online Reporting Portal in Nairobi, CTB Director Saidi Kiprotich said the name change would not alter the unit’s mandate.
“All we urge is continued support from all,” Kiprotich said.
The CTB is a unit within the DCI mandated to mitigate and investigate terrorism-related cases in the country.
The unit was formed in 2003 as a specialised team based at Police Headquarters to investigate terrorism matters, following a series of attacks, including the 1998 bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi and the 2002 Kikambala terrorist attack.
Its responsibilities include preventing, disrupting and interdicting terrorist activities; investigating terrorism-related cases; and leading the response of other agencies at scenes of terrorist incidents.
The bureau also profiles suspected terrorists, maintains an updated database, shares intelligence with stakeholders, reviews the security of vital installations and other potential targets, and conducts public awareness activities on terrorism when necessary.
The unit has played a central role in Kenya’s counter-terrorism efforts, making the rebranding part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening its operations.
Counter-Terrorism Hotline
The announcement came during the launch of the Counter-Terrorism Hotline and Online Reporting Portal, developed through a partnership between Kenya, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The platform provides secure and confidential channels for reporting suspicious activities, terrorism-related concerns and other security threats. It includes a toll-free hotline, an anonymous online reporting
portal and a case management system for receiving, assessing and prioritising reports.
The hotline, 0800 900 900, will officially become operational on October 15, 2026.
DCI Director Mohamed Amin said the service remained focused on its mandate of ensuring the safety and security of the country.
The new reporting system is expected to strengthen information-sharing between communities and security agencies while supporting intelligence-led investigations and coordination among national security institutions.
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