The National Police Service (NPS) says it is implementing reforms aimed at removing Kenya from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list by strengthening measures to combat money laundering and terrorism financing.
Speaking during a high-level strategic conference for senior officers of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Matuga, Kwale County, Inspector General Douglas Kanja said the greylisting has subjected Kenya to increased scrutiny from financial institutions and damaged the country’s global reputation. He called on police officers to act swiftly and decisively in dealing with financial crimes.
Kanja noted that the National Police Service is working closely with several agencies to address the issue and improve investigations into financial crimes.
“We are collaborating with other law enforcement agencies, particularly the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Asset Recovery Agency and the Financial Reporting Centre so that we can tackle money laundering holistically as a country,” he said.
He emphasized that the success of the National Police Service is closely tied to the performance of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, adding that the strategic conference was meant to provide guidance on improving investigations into complex financial crimes.
Kenya was placed on the FATF grey list in February 2024 after failing to demonstrate successful investigations and prosecutions of money laundering offences.
Authorities say the current reforms and capacity-building initiatives for senior police commanders form part of a broader roadmap to help the country exit the list.
According to Kanja, one of the key priorities is ensuring that Kenya is able to prosecute money laundering as a standalone offence.
He added that strengthening investigations and cooperation among institutions will help restore confidence among financial institutions and foreign investors.
The grey list status has negatively affected Kenya’s global credibility and reputation, prompting renewed efforts by the government to tighten enforcement against financial crimes.
The conference in Kwale forms part of ongoing initiatives aimed at equipping investigators with the skills needed to tackle money laundering and terrorism financing effectively.
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