What You Need to Know
Regional anti-corruption authorities are convening in Nairobi to strengthen efforts against graft and illicit financial flows in Eastern Africa. The meeting, hosted by Kenya’s Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, aims to enhance transparency and improve asset recovery mechanisms among member states, with a focus on beneficial ownership.
Africa-Press – Kenya. Regional anti-corruption authorities have gathered in Nairobi this week in a renewed push to combat graft and illicit financial flows across Eastern Africa.
Illicit financial flows (IFFs) in Eastern Africa refer to money illegally earned, transferred, or used across borders, draining billions of dollars from economies each year.
These flows undermine development by diverting resources away from public services, infrastructure, and poverty reduction.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is hosting the meeting under the Eastern Africa Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (EAAACA), bringing together agencies from Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Djibouti, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Kenya.
The conference is themed “Unmasking Beneficial Ownership in the Fight Against Corruption and Recovery of Assets.”
It aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation, improve transparency, and enhance asset recovery mechanisms.
Speaking at the opening, EAAACA president and Uganda’s Inspector General of Government, Naluze Aisha Batala, called for deeper collaboration among member states.
She highlighted milestones such as harmonised anti-corruption laws, the publication of Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) Guidelines, and regional capacity-building initiatives.
EAAACA vice president and EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi A. Mohamud echoed these sentiments, noting progress in information sharing and the removal of bureaucratic barriers that have accelerated investigations.
He underscored Kenya’s commitment to beneficial ownership transparency, citing amendments to the Companies Act that institutionalised a beneficial ownership register under the Business Registration Service.
The meeting has drawn representatives from Financial Intelligence Units, asset recovery agencies, law enforcement bodies, prosecution services, oversight institutions, the private sector, and development partners.
It also includes the Annual General Meetings of EAAACA and the Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network for Eastern Africa.
By hosting the conference, Kenya reaffirmed its leadership in the regional fight against corruption.
The discussions are expected to enhance cooperation among member states, strengthen transparency in beneficial ownership, and improve mechanisms for recovering stolen assets.
EAAACA continues to play a central role in building regional frameworks, coordinating joint efforts, and providing a platform for agencies to exchange best practices. The conference runs until Friday, April 24, with outcomes likely to shape future strategies against graft across Eastern Africa.
Corruption and illicit financial flows have long plagued Eastern Africa, draining resources vital for development and public services. The Eastern Africa Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (EAAACA) was established to foster collaboration among countries in the region to combat these issues effectively. By bringing together various stakeholders, including government agencies and civil society, EAAACA aims to create a unified front against corruption and promote best practices in governance.
