Mombasa, Kenya — The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has conducted a high-level Anti-Money Laundering (AML) sensitisation seminar for senior officers in Mombasa and Nakuru, as Kenya intensifies efforts to address concerns raised by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
The seminar comes at a critical time for the country following its placement on the FATF grey list, a move that has heightened scrutiny of Kenya’s financial systems and enforcement mechanisms.
Addressing Investigation Gaps
Held in four cohorts between February 2 and February 6, 2026, the sessions focused on strengthening investigative and prosecutorial approaches to money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing.
Participants engaged in candid discussions about weaknesses previously identified in financial crime investigations, with an emphasis on improving intelligence-led operations and case-building strategies.
Officials said the training also explored emerging threats, including the use of shell companies, complex ownership structures, cryptocurrencies, and virtual assets to conceal illicit financial flows.
Specific sectors flagged as vulnerable included real estate, casinos, and Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs).
DCI Chief Warns of Economic Consequences
Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed I. Amin told senior officers that Kenya’s grey listing has far-reaching economic implications, including reputational risks and potential declines in investor confidence.
“As the country’s main investigative agency, the DCI must deliver clear results through strong, intelligence-led investigations,” Amin said.
“Our goal is straightforward: trace illegal financial flows, disrupt criminal networks, and deny offenders access to the proceeds of crime.”
Legal and Institutional Reforms
The seminar also spotlighted the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorism Financing Act, 2025, which introduces stricter regulatory oversight and enhanced compliance requirements.
The law strengthens customer due diligence obligations, mandates reporting of suspicious transactions, increases penalties for non-compliance, and facilitates improved domestic and cross-border information sharing.
Internally, the DCI outlined reforms aimed at boosting efficiency and coordination, including:
- Clear Standard Operating Procedures for financial investigations
- Mandatory prioritisation of financial probes in profit-driven crimes
- Restructuring of the Financial Investigations Unit (FIU) and Anti-Terrorism Policing Unit (ATPU)
- Enhanced training and improved records management systems
Regional Body Notes Progress
The Eastern and Southern African Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) has acknowledged Kenya’s progress, reporting that 29 out of 40 recommendations issued previously have been addressed.
Authorities say the developments represent a step toward strengthening financial oversight and positioning Kenya for eventual removal from the FATF grey list.
Senior officers attending the seminar were urged to transfer the knowledge gained to their teams and lead robust investigations to safeguard the country’s financial system.
The DCI says it remains committed to reinforcing Kenya’s response to financial crime as part of broader efforts to restore confidence in the country’s financial integrity.
