NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan authorities have frozen the bank accounts and assets of 13 individuals suspected of financing terrorism, part of an intensified effort to disrupt illicit financial flows and block support to extremist networks, the Financial Reporting Centre (FRC) has announced.
In a notice dated February 4, 2026, the FRC designated the individuals under targeted financial sanctions linked to terrorism financing, invoking the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) 2012 and Kenya’s obligations under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373.
The move follows months of financial analysis and intelligence gathering by national security agencies, which flagged accounts receiving unusually large sums from abroad and other activity consistent with terrorism support.
Among the suspects are 10 Kenyans, two Tanzanians and one Ugandan, whose funds and assets have been frozen.
KENYA’S CRACKDOWN ON TERROR FINANCING: FURTHER SANCTIONS TO FOLLOW. Kenya’s intelligence flagged 13 terrorism financing accounts after months of financial analysis and investigations.The accounts held by Kenyans, Tanzanian, and Ugandan have since been frozen by FRC.The
Under the prevention regulations, all financial institutions and reporting entities are required to identify and freeze any funds, property or assets owned or controlled by the designated individuals within 24 hours of the order.
They are also prohibited from providing any financial services or economic resources to the listed persons or their associates, unless expressly permitted under law.
The FRC, which serves as Kenya’s financial intelligence unit, said it will continue working with banks, microfinance institutions and other reporting bodies to ensure swift compliance and effective monitoring.
The watchdog stressed that non‑compliance or attempts to circumvent the sanctions are offences under the relevant regulations.
The targeted financial sanctions are preventive measures designed to cut off suspected networks’ access to the formal financial system before any funds can be diverted to harmful purposes.
The designations do not require proof that a specific terrorist act has been carried out.
Authorities are also continuing broader investigations into additional individuals, companies and suspected accounts that may be linked to terrorist financing or other illicit financial flows.
Analysts say the step underscores Kenya’s effort to strengthen its financial integrity regime amid scrutiny from international bodies.
Kenya’s legal framework against terrorism financing has been evolving.
In June 2025, Parliament passed an amendment to the Anti‑Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorism Financing Laws, tightening compliance, enhancing reporting and closing loopholes previously identified by global watchdogs such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
The crackdown also comes against the backdrop of rising concern over illicit financial flows and suspicious transactions flagged by banks and mobile money providers, which form part of Kenya’s broader efforts to monitor and curb dirty money through reporting entities under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti‑Money Laundering Act.
