Swiss Govt Issues Conditions to Return Ksh233M Stolen From Kenyans

The Swiss government has asked its Kenyan counterpart to swiftly dispense corruption cases pending in court in order to facilitate the repatriation of Ksh233 million in its custody and that is believed to have been stolen from taxpayers.

During a meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday, May 20, the Swiss government noted that the money is being held because the cases on the same are still ongoing.

However, Uhuru and President Igazio Cassis agreed that the government of Kenya and Switzerland will work together to expeditiously conclude the process of repatriation of the funds.

The two Heads of States reiterated the need to demonstrate that crime does not pay and also set up mechanisms to bar the proceeds of crime from being stashed abroad.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Swiss President Ignazio Cassis

PSCU

This is in line with Kenya’s commitment to the principles of the framework for the Return of Assets from Corruption and Crime in Kenya (FRACCK) that was signed by the Governments of Kenya, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Jersey.

Earlier this year, Jersey, an island off the coast of France, signed an agreement paving way for the return to Kenya of about Ksh582 million stolen from government coffers.

"These proceeds will make a lot of change, let's say building hospitals where health facilities are not easily accessible," Attorney General Paul Kihara stated after signing the agreement.

Uhuru, speaking in Bern at the start of his official visit to Switzerland, demonstrated Kenya’s desire to reinvigorate the long-standing trade, economic, and investment ties between the two countries.

Uhuru and President Ignazio also signed a Letter of Intent to cooperate on research and science. The Letter of Intent builds on the Agreement on Training Cooperation for International Peace Missions signed on October 13 last year to further strengthen cooperation on training for international peace missions.

During the visit, commissioned the Kenyan Chancery in the Swiss capital of Bern. Uhuru urged Swiss manufacturing companies to increase their foothold in Kenya by expanding and diversifying their manufacturing capacities.

“We have some companies firmly established in Kenya and now we can help them grow through the free trade agreement.

“By using Kenya as a manufacturing base they can create jobs, exchange expertise in many different areas. So I believe the potential is tremendous and I think there’s a lot of work ahead of us,” Uhuru stated.

President Uhuru Kenyatta tours MAS Estimates plant in Athi River on Wednesday, May 11, 2022.

PSCU