Kenya, through the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), has reaffirmed its commitment to regional and global efforts to fight corruption and recover stolen public assets.
This was underscored today during the official opening of the Inaugural African Asset Recovery Practitioners Forum (AARP Forum) held at the Panari Hotel, Nairobi, which brought together asset recovery experts, government officials, and anti-corruption stakeholders from across the continent.
In his keynote address, Mr. Abdi A. Mohamud, MBS, Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of EACC, emphasized the importance of collaboration among African states in tracing and recovering illicit wealth hidden across borders. He revealed that in the last five years, EACC has successfully recovered assets valued at KES 28 billion (USD 216 million) and is currently pursuing court-ordered forfeiture of assets worth KES 50 billion (USD 382 million).
“Asset recovery is a central pillar of our anti-corruption strategy. It is not enough to prosecute perpetrators—we must also ensure that the proceeds of corruption are identified, seized, and returned to the public,” said Mr. Mohamud.
He noted that EACC, established under Article 79 of the Constitution of Kenya and the EACC Act, operates within a mandate that includes law enforcement, corruption prevention, public education, and promotion of ethical standards and practices.
Kenya is also a signatory to multiple international conventions such as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC). Additionally, the country has entered into bilateral agreements for the repatriation of stolen assets and is an active member of the Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network for Eastern Africa (ARIN-EA).
The forum, co-hosted by EACC and the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC), with support from GIZ’s Global Programme on Illicit Financial Flows, aims to establish a platform for effective information sharing, technical support, and mutual legal assistance among African nations.
Speaking at the event, AUABC Chairperson Hon. Seynabou Diakhate Ndiaye commended Kenya’s leadership in driving asset recovery on the continent. She emphasized that coordinated continental efforts are essential in returning Africa’s stolen wealth to its rightful use—development and public service delivery.
Also in attendance was Lady Justice Lucy Njuguna, Presiding Judge of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division of Kenya’s High Court, who highlighted the pivotal role of the judiciary in ensuring speedy and fair adjudication of asset recovery cases.
“We must ensure legal processes are not only fair and impartial but also efficient enough to serve justice in cases of public interest,” she stated.
The AARP Forum is expected to serve as a regional mechanism to implement the Common African Position on Asset Recovery, allowing African countries to harmonize their legal frameworks, share intelligence, and build capacity to trace and repatriate assets stolen through corruption.
Dr. Musa Aliyu, Interim Chairperson of the AARP Forum Steering Council, lauded the launch of the forum as a defining step in the continent’s anti-corruption journey.
“This is not just a meeting—it’s the beginning of a movement that places asset recovery at the heart of Africa’s fight against corruption,” said Dr. Aliyu.
In closing, Mr. Mohamud extended a warm welcome to delegates from across Africa, inviting all eligible institutions to formally join the forum and contribute to the creation of a formidable and united African asset recovery network.
“This Forum is a historic opportunity to forge partnerships that will allow us to act with speed, unity, and precision. Let us commit ourselves fully to this cause—for the future of our nations, and for the people of Africa,” he concluded.
The AARP Forum will run over several days, featuring discussions on emerging trends in asset recovery, case studies, legal reform, international cooperation, and strategic coordination.
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