The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has concluded a week-long Anti-Money Laundering (AML) investigation seminar targeting Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officers (SCCIOs), as part of renewed efforts to strengthen Kenya’s response to financial crime.
The training was held simultaneously in Mombasa, Naivasha, and Kisumu, bringing together investigators to enhance skills in detecting, investigating, and dismantling money laundering networks, as well as countering terrorism and proliferation financing.
The seminar comes amid heightened urgency following Kenya’s placement on the Financial Action Task Force grey list in February 2024, a move that highlighted gaps in the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework.
Participants engaged in candid discussions on weaknesses in investigations, prosecutions, inter-agency coordination, and regulatory enforcement, while identifying practical solutions to address the shortcomings.
Speaking during the closing ceremony at the Kenya School of Government in Mombasa, Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed I. Amin stressed the need to urgently reinforce the country’s AML systems.
He noted that the grey listing has had far-reaching implications, including undermining investor confidence, affecting financial stability, and denting Kenya’s global standing.
Amin highlighted key reforms already undertaken, including amendments to anti-money laundering laws in 2025 that introduced stricter beneficial ownership disclosure requirements, enhanced monitoring, and tougher penalties for non-compliance.
On the operational side, he said more than 500 officers have undergone specialised financial investigations training, while the Financial Investigations Unit continues to be strengthened through improved case management systems and alignment with international standards.
In Naivasha, Director of Investigations Bureau Francis Ndiema underscored the critical role of investigators as the first line of defence in protecting the integrity of the financial system.
He warned that remaining on the FATF grey list could lead to reduced foreign investment, increased scrutiny of transactions, and a higher cost of doing business, urging officers to translate training into actionable intelligence.
Meanwhile, in Kisumu, Director of Inspection Isaack Mwenda Meme called on officers to uphold integrity and professionalism, emphasizing the reputational and economic risks associated with financial crime.
He urged participants to share the knowledge gained with their teams to expand the impact of the training nationwide.
The DCI said the seminar marks a significant milestone in its intensified campaign against financial crime and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening investigative capacity, closing enforcement gaps, and positioning Kenya for eventual removal from the FATF grey lis
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