The Directorate of Criminal Investigations held a training for senior officials in Mombasa and Nakuru in a move aimed at strengthening the fight against money laundering and financing of terrorism.
Over the course of the week, officers from various areas converged to strategize the movement and laundering of the stolen cash and how they can fill in the gaps to prosecute the cases, which have gone unpunished in the past.
It consisted of four groups: one session on February 2-3 and another on February 5-6.
A key focus area of all the meetings was a recent placement on FATF’s grey list, and weaknesses that were identified through past investigations and court cases regarding money laundering and terror financing were discussable areas within the meeting.
The attendees were also made aware of emerging patterns and trends used by criminals, such as shell companies, layered ownership, and virtual assets, including cryptocurrencies. The officers were warned, moreover, that some industries such as real estate, casinos, and SACCOs are being exploited by organized crime syndicates for money laundering purposes.
Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin emphasized the important place the investigators hold in the protection and promotion of the economy. He stated that the greylisting seeks investors, hurting the international reputation of the country.
“Our mission is quite simple: We trace the money, disrupt the criminal syndicates, and ensure that crime does not pay,” Amin said in his message to the attendees.
The seminar also covered new legal developments, such as the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing Act, 2025. The officers also became acquainted with tougher reporting requirements, more stringent customer due diligence, and a greater scale of penalties for non-compliance.
The DCI made internal reforms to enhance investigations, including new working procedures, focusing on financial investigations for profit-driven crimes, and restructuring some key departments such as the Financial Investigations Unit and the Anti-Terrorism Policing Unit.
There are signs of progress in this area. EAAMLG has noted Kenya has complied with 29 of the 40 recommendations made in the past.
It was also encouraged that the senior officers take the lessons learned back to their teams and embed them into investigative practice.
The DCI renewed its pledge to enhance its efforts in tackling financial crimes as Kenya seeks to leave the grey list.
