President William Ruto signing the new Bill at State House, Nairobi. June 17, 2025/PCSPresident William Ruto on Tuesday assented to the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorism Financing Laws (Amendment) Bills at State House, Nairobi.
Kenya’s Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorism Financing Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed by the National Assembly on June 3, 2025, after incorporating the President’s reservations.
The Bills strengthen Kenya’s legal and regulatory framework to address deficiencies flagged by the FATF and ESAAMLG, following Kenya's grey-listing in 2024.
They amend 10 key Acts, including those governing real estate, mining, betting, SACCOs, retirement benefits, and public benefit organisations (PBOs), to enhance regulatory oversight and AML/CFT compliance.
The bills will empower relevant authorities to conduct risk-based supervision, sanction violators, and conduct fit-and-proper tests.
The bills will also strengthen the Financial Reporting Centre by aligning the Director General’s term with similar public oversight bodies.
The reforms aim to curb illicit financial flows, attract foreign direct investment (especially in housing and mining), expand the tax base, and boost investor confidence.
They also seek to improve Kenya’s credit ratings, reduce borrowing costs, and reinforce the country’s status as a regional leader in financial regulation.
