The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has appealed to the international community to strengthen cross-border cooperation in tracing and recovering assets stolen from Kenya and concealed in foreign jurisdictions. Speaking in Doha, Qatar, EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud made the call while participating in a high-level panel at the 11th Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). He emphasised that asset recovery has become increasingly complex due to the movement of illicit funds across borders, making international collaboration indispensable.
Strengthening Cross-Border Asset Recovery
Mohamud noted that many corruption proceeds are transferred and hidden outside Kenya, underscoring the need for strong partnerships between countries. He urged governments to reinforce Central Authorities responsible for processing international legal assistance requests, describing them as critical to the success of asset recovery efforts. According to the EACC boss, these offices require enhanced funding, specialised training, and institutional reforms to effectively manage the growing volume and complexity of cross-border cases.
Push for Beneficial Ownership Registries
To further improve asset tracing, Mohamud proposed the creation and strengthening of centralised beneficial ownership registries. He said such systems should be verified, interoperable, and connected internationally to help authorities uncover hidden ownership structures and accelerate the recovery and repatriation of stolen wealth.
Value of International Partnerships
Mohamud acknowledged the support EACC has received from global anti-corruption institutions, including the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre (IACCC) and the Basel Institute on Governance’s International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR). He credited these partnerships with enabling the Commission to successfully conclude several high-profile cases and recover significant public assets.
Strong Asset Recovery Performance in 2024/25
The EACC’s participation in the Doha conference comes shortly after the release of its 2024/25 annual report, which highlighted one of the Commission’s most successful years in asset recovery. According to the report, EACC recovered assets worth Sh3.4 billion, an improvement from Sh2.9 billion in the previous financial year. The Commission also traced 27 assets valued at Sh22.9 billion, preserved property worth Sh2.685 billion, and filed 79 asset recovery cases targeting Sh4.8 billion in suspected illicit wealth.
A Year of Growth and Impact
During the launch of the annual report on December 8, Mohamud described the period under review as one marked by resilience and focused execution. He noted that the Commission recorded its highest number of recovery suits in five years, signalling increased effectiveness in enforcement and litigation.
Reflecting on the year, he said the institution had been tested but ultimately demonstrated tangible impact in safeguarding public resources. The improved recovery figures, EACC noted, point to stronger efficiency in asset tracing, investigations, and legal action reinforcing the Commission’s role in Kenya’s fight against corruption.
