Nairobi, Kenya – The Government of Kenya has designated 13 individuals as being involved in terrorism and the financing of terrorist activities, subjecting them to targeted financial sanctions aimed at cutting off their access to the formal financial system.
The announcement was made by the Counter-Financing of Terrorism Inter-Ministerial Committee, which directed banks and other reporting institutions to immediately freeze the individuals’ assets and cease all financial dealings with them.
Scope of the Measures
The sanctions prohibit:
- Opening or maintaining accounts for the listed individuals
- Processing transactions on their behalf
- Providing any financial services or commercial cover
According to the updated domestic sanctions list published on the Financial Reporting Centre (FRC) website, the 13 individuals include 10 Kenyan nationals, two Tanzanians, and one Ugandan.
Names on the List
- Violet Omwoyo
- Juma Ambare
- Zakariya Kamal Sufi
- Jamal Abdi Mohamed
- Abubakar Swalleh
- Salehe Minja
- Jerumani Koja
- Hadija Issack Ali
- Abdiweli Dege
- Ramadhan Hamisi
- Robert Karani
- Zuena Machabe
- Mohamed Siyat
Government Warning
Authorities stated that the sanctions include asset freezes and broad prohibition measures intended to block the designated individuals from accessing or using the financial system to facilitate terrorism-related activities.
In a public notice, the government warned individuals and businesses against assisting or facilitating transactions on behalf of sanctioned persons.
“Providing financial services, holding assets on their behalf, concealing beneficial ownership, or offering commercial cover could attract serious legal consequences,” the notice read.
Officials cautioned that violations may lead to investigations, seizure of assets, and possible arrest under Kenya’s counter-terrorism and anti-money laundering laws.
Conclusion
The designations mark a significant step in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism financing. By cutting off access to formal financial systems, the government aims to disrupt networks that enable extremist activities, while sending a strong signal to institutions and individuals about the consequences of aiding or abetting terrorism.
