President Ruto Signs Landmark Anti-Money Laundering Bill into Law
Published: 2025-06-18T19:26:23 · Updated: 2026-04-22T08:35:34Z
This landmark legislation aims to seal gaps that facilitate illicit financial flows via property transactions and the use of shell companies, thereby reinforcing Kenya's position as a leader in financial integrity and regulatory reform in the region.
According to President Ruto, "Kenya is keen on pursuing reforms that cement our position in the region as a leader in financial integrity and regulatory reform. The signing of the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorism Financing Laws (Amendment) Bill 2025 reinforces this vision by sealing gaps that facilitate illicit financial flows via property transactions and the use of shell companies."
This development comes at a critical time when Kenya is facing challenges related to its anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) frameworks. The country was recently greylisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and included in the European Union's list of High-Risk Third Countries due to strategic deficiencies in its AML/CFT frameworks. The new legislation is a timely and strategic response to building a robust regulatory framework, aimed at restoring confidence in Kenya's financial system.
The Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorism Financing Laws (Amendment) Bill 2025 contains several key provisions designed to strengthen Kenya's financial integrity. These include measures to prevent the use of shell companies and property transactions for illicit financial flows, as well as enhanced regulatory oversight and enforcement mechanisms. The legislation is expected to have significant implications for businesses and individuals operating in Kenya, particularly in the financial and real estate sectors.
The signing of the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorism Financing Laws (Amendment) Bill 2025 into law marks a major step forward in Kenya's efforts to strengthen its financial integrity and combat illicit financial activities. The new legislation demonstrates the government's commitment to pursuing reforms that cement Kenya's position as a leader in financial integrity and regulatory reform in the region. As noted by President Ruto, this move is a significant step towards restoring confidence in Kenya's financial system and promoting a stable and secure business environment.