Kenya has been told exactly what needs to happen to get off the grey list for money laundering and terrorism financing.
European Union Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, spoke in an interview on Thursday, June 19, where she explained that Kenya’s listing as a high-risk country, announced earlier this year by the European Commission, was not disastrous, but had placed the country under the EU’s watchful eye.
Amid concerns over hefty sanctions following the grey listing, Geiger clarified that Kenya was not subject to economic consequences like countries such as South Korea.
“The grey listing is not about sanctions. The EU cannot interfere in your legal processes,” Geiger clarified. “The goal is to improve your mechanisms for combating financial crime, not punish you,” she clarified.
However, the EU envoy to Kenya also warned that it was in Kenya’s best interest to get off the grey list, insisting that this could only be achieved by implementing laws to counter vices such as money laundering.
“Kenya must conduct a risk assessment on terrorism financing, improve the prosecution of financial crimes, and increase the supervision of virtual asset providers,” Geiger advised.
Notably, Kenya is part of a group of 15 African countries under the watchful eye of the EU, joining countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and the DR Congo. Nations like Uganda and Mauritius were previously on the list, but were de-listed after demonstrating progress in their anti-money laundering efforts.
Recently, President William Ruto signed the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in a move which strengthened the Financial Reporting Centre (FRC)
Geiger added, “The independence granted to the Financial Reporting Centre is a key step,” Geiger added. “This allows for stronger coordination and authority in efforts to combat money laundering and terrorism financing, which are critical to getting off the list.”
“Kenya must conduct a risk assessment on terrorism financing, improve the prosecution of financial crimes, and increase the supervision of virtual asset providers."
Asked about the trend of political figures interfering with legislation to encourage money laundering, Geiger said this was an issue that could only be resolved internally through the country’s investigative mechanisms.
Even as the country continues to implement reforms, the EU ambassador emphasised that patience is key when it comes to de-listing, as the process is long and tedious.
One of the countries recently de-listed was Mauritius, which was removed from the dreaded list in just two years, something Geiger considers to be a record, as de-listing usually takes longer.
