Nairobi, Kenya
07.03.2012
By Angira Zadock
The US has put Kenya on a blacklist of countries that do not support the fight against terrorism.
And it has given Kenya a three-month ultimatum to enact laws that criminalise financing of terrorist activities.
However, Washington did not indicate what measures it will take if Kenya fails to fully implement the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act and pass other legislation that criminalises terrorism and its financing within three months.
Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo on Tuesday said that the Financial Action Task Force, a US team, had disclosed that Kenya had fallen short of some measures to ensure that the legislation was up to date.
The absence of the laws risks the lives of Kenya Defence Forces soldiers in Somali as it leaves a window for terrorists to raise money at a time when KDF is trying to weaken the militants by curtailing their sources of income. (READ: Kenyan soldiers willing to die for their colleagues)
This is also considered as the driving force behind several travel advisories usually issued against the country. Tourists will also be hesitant to visit the country until the relevant laws are passed.
This undermines our ability to attract investors who maybe afraid of using our banks, Mr Kilonzo said.
READ MORE source: Kenya on US blacklist over terrorism laws - News |nation.co.ke
07.03.2012
By Angira Zadock
The US has put Kenya on a blacklist of countries that do not support the fight against terrorism.
And it has given Kenya a three-month ultimatum to enact laws that criminalise financing of terrorist activities.
However, Washington did not indicate what measures it will take if Kenya fails to fully implement the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act and pass other legislation that criminalises terrorism and its financing within three months.
Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo on Tuesday said that the Financial Action Task Force, a US team, had disclosed that Kenya had fallen short of some measures to ensure that the legislation was up to date.
The absence of the laws risks the lives of Kenya Defence Forces soldiers in Somali as it leaves a window for terrorists to raise money at a time when KDF is trying to weaken the militants by curtailing their sources of income. (READ: Kenyan soldiers willing to die for their colleagues)
This is also considered as the driving force behind several travel advisories usually issued against the country. Tourists will also be hesitant to visit the country until the relevant laws are passed.
This undermines our ability to attract investors who maybe afraid of using our banks, Mr Kilonzo said.
READ MORE source: Kenya on US blacklist over terrorism laws - News |nation.co.ke
