The Government Chemist has blamed funding shortages, lengthy procurement processes, and costly testing kits for the delay in DNA matching between Shakahola victims and their families.
Families seeking closure have been waiting for nearly two years for the identification of their loved ones, and officials now warn the wait could be even longer.
Shedding light on the delays, the Government Chemist revealed that it lacks adequate funds for DNA testing, as identifying bodies in an advanced state of decomposition is more complex and expensive than standard identification. "It is a very expensive undertaking, especially because we are dealing with exhumed remains.
You are not using your ordinary extraction protocols; we are using highly stringent chemical regimes because the DNA within those exhumed remains is highly degraded," said Dr Joseph Kimani, Head of Forensic Directive.
