ADOPTABILITY MODEL FOR DIGITAL FORENSIC EVIDENCE IN KENYA

Abstract

The traditional techniques used by forensic investigators through the incident response operations include mostly pulling out the power cable of the suspected machines. This method normally causes a major interference of the evidence gathering process, hence the need for a better investigation method. The purpose of the study was to provide a means for the Kenya Police in evaluating their forensic adoptability in digital forensic evidence. This study was intended for those who were operating in the fields of computer forensics. The main objective was to investigate the adoptability of digital forensics in digital crime handling in Kenya. The researcher came up with a better method by analysing different existing methods and techniques in the literature review that allowed an investigator to scrutinize and perform forensic acquisition in a running system without inducing the effects of taint or forensic blurriness caused by scrutinizing and analyzing a running system, and collect evidence. Descriptive research design was adopted. Data collection was done by use of questionnaires and analysed through qualitative and quantitative techniques. The target population was drawn from the Kenya Police in Nakuru County, Kenya. Stratified and purposive sampling was applied so as to get the respondents based on the representative and feasibility of attaining the necessary data. The study established that there was low level of effectiveness regarding digital forensic services necessary to improve the admissibility of evidence in court. Similarly, technology used in institutions complied with legal requirements, however little review was being done to ensure that the system they used met quality needs of their organizations. Finally, although digital forensic tools existed in the institutions, respondents felt a dire need for additional digital forensic tools. The study recommends that more trainings and awareness program must be given priority by the Kenya Police as regards digital forensic evidence acquisition and handling. Likewise, it is prudent for the Kenya Police to channel more resources towards digital evidence acquisition tools and services to improve admissibility of digital evidence in courts.