Strengthening the Fight Against Money Laundering: Kenya’s Government Initiatives

Money Laundering (ML) is one of the global growing concerns in addressing security threats at national, regional, and global levels. Over time, ML has been associated with National Security (NS) threats such as terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, corruption, and other economic crimes. In Kenya, the association of ML to national security threats remain unexplored. This study, therefore, evaluated the association between money laundering and national security threats in Kenya. The study's general objective was to evaluate efforts government efforts in combating ML activities in Kenya. This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design which supported the utilisation of a simple random sampling technique and purposive sampling to obtain 22 respondents from security agencies and private sector players engaged in anti-money laundering activities. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques were applied to obtain findings. The study established that ML occurs through complex channels that remain a challenge to both government agencies and financial institutions. The dynamics of the ML are manifested through unpredictable ways in mainstream banking and non-banking systems. In the wake of these NS threats, the government of Kenya has remained proactive through stepping up efforts in preventive and control of ML, however, the practice persists. The study concluded that effects of ML are far reaching and indicate the intricate web of criminal activities that transcend beyond Kenyan borders. ML is therefore a cause for weakening national security systems as well as a contributor to other criminal activities. Unless addressed, ML will remain a significant phenomenon in the national security systems that requires institutional and normative frameworks to be addressed. The study recommended the government to strengthen AML compliance policies and increase funding to agencies involved in the fight against ML.