NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s push to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List is increasingly being driven from the courtroom, with the Director of Public Prosecutions signalling a stronger prosecutorial focus in the country’s anti-money laundering efforts.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, on Monday joined senior government officials to review progress on the FATF action plan — part of ongoing efforts to secure Kenya’s removal from the Grey List.
The high-level meeting brought together key institutions central to enforcing anti-money laundering standards and safeguarding the financial system.
Addressing the session, Ingonga underscored the importance of coordinated enforcement and stronger case handling.
“We have strengthened our Anti-Money Laundering (AML) response through targeted capacity-building initiatives,” said the DPP.
“We continue to train prosecutors across the country to enhance their ability to handle AML-related cases effectively.”
His remarks highlight a strategic shift toward reinforcing the prosecution arm of Kenya’s compliance framework, ensuring that investigations translate into successful court outcomes.
The DPP noted that reforms within the Anti-Money Laundering & Asset Forfeiture Division at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) have positioned the unit to directly manage money laundering cases while guiding county prosecution offices on prioritising AML matters.
The meeting formed part of Kenya’s broader institutional response to the FATF action plan, which requires coordinated action across investigative, regulatory and prosecutorial agencies.
Participants included Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo, Treasury Principal Secretary Dr Chris Kiptoo, and Mining Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai.
Also present were Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) CEO Abdi Mohammed, Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Director Mohammed Amin, and representatives from the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Gambling Regulatory Authority and the National Intelligence Service.
Discussions centred on strengthening inter-agency coordination and ensuring that all implementing bodies remain aligned with FATF timelines.
Officials emphasised that collaboration between investigative agencies and prosecutors is key to safeguarding the integrity of Kenya’s financial system and restoring international confidence.
The review meeting signals renewed urgency as authorities work to demonstrate measurable progress under the FATF framework.
With prosecutorial capacity now a central pillar of the strategy, Kenya’s compliance efforts appear increasingly focused on ensuring that anti-money laundering reforms are not only legislated and investigated, but effectively enforced in court.
Kenya was officially placed on the FATF “grey list” on 23 February 2024, when the Financial Action Task Force added Kenya, alongside Namibia, to its list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring due to strategic deficiencies in its anti‑money laundering and counter‑terrorism financing frameworks.
The grey listing followed an assessment that highlighted gaps in Kenya’s ability to investigate and prosecute money laundering and terrorism financing offences, as well as weaknesses in regulatory oversight of certain sectors and risk‑based preventive measures.
The designation means Kenya agreed to work with FATF and regional partners to implement an action plan to address these shortcomings and demonstrate progress within agreed timelines.
This marked Kenya’s return to the watch list after being previously removed following compliance improvements.
