Following a landmark agreement announced in London, Kenya will get Ksh.450 million in stolen monies recovered from former Finance Minister Chris Okemo and former Kenya Power CEO Samuel Gichuru.
The cash will be used to help Kenya’s COVID-19 response operations.
The Government of Jersey said in a statement released on Monday that the millions of shillings were taken after a firm linked to Mr. Gichuru, Windward Trading Ltd, found guilty of money laundering charges.
Authorities in Kenya, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Jersey collaborated in a multilateral effort to recover stolen assets linked to covert offshore banking.
Two third-party vendors, Crown Agents and Amref Health Africa, were chosen to conduct the COVID-19 response activities in collaboration with Jersey Overseas Aid.
Through Crown Agents, 90 percent of the proceeds will be used to purchase necessary medical equipment, such as Intensive Care Units and hospital beds.
The remaining 10% of the cash will go into a community-based project with Amref Health Africa to improve healthcare worker capacity and home-based care.
Ambassador Manoah Esipisu, Kenya’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, praised the move, saying that the use of the returned cash will help speed up the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) program.
Dr. Joseph Kinyua, Kenya’s Head of Public Service, stated that the repatriation strengthens Kenya’s stance and steadfast commitment to fighting corruption locally, regionally, and internationally.
“The signing of ARA is historic since is signifies Kenya’s Government’s unwavering commitment to fighting corruption in all its manifestation. The repatriation of the £3M signifies that there is nowhere in the world for corruption individuals to hide their loot,” said Esipisu.
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