Mandate and functions

The mandate of the Government Chemist is derived from several Acts of Parliament, among other national legal statutes:

• Interpretation and General Provisions Act, Cap 2
• Penal Code, Cap 63
• Evidence Act, Cap 80
• Sexual Offences Act, 2006
• Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act, Cap 254
• Pharmacy and Poisons Act, Cap 244
• Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Cap 245
• Pest Control Products Act, Cap 346
• Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, Cap 121A
• Occupational Safety and Health Act, Cap 514
• Standards Act, Cap 496
• Water Act, 2002 (Cap 372)
• Anti-Counterfeit Agency Act, Cap 130A
• Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act

Functions

Within these statutes, the functions of the Government Chemist are to:

1. Provide forensic science laboratory services in toxicology, biology and criminalistics for the criminal and civil justice system;
2. Provide expert evidence in courts of law for the administration of justice;
3. Provide technical expertise in the collection and management of crime scene evidential material, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders;
4. Provide analytical laboratory services for public health and industry;
5. Undertake laboratory testing of environmental samples to protect people and the environment;
6. Provide technical advice and consultancy on forensic science, analytical laboratory services and chemical management;
7. Lead the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in Kenya as the designated National Authority;
8. Coordinate matters related to chemicals under the national Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) risk mitigation initiatives;
9. Coordinate research, surveys and field tests in forensic science and chemical matters of national importance;
10. Participate in mass fatality investigations during terrorist attacks and other disasters;
11. Coordinate capacity building in forensic science, analytical laboratory services and chemical management for relevant stakeholders.