The Kenyan and Swiss governments have agreed on a framework for the return of assets from corruption and crime in Kenya, in another move set to give impetus to the fight against corruption. The deal which will allow Switzerland to return assets that have been blocked has been lauded by both President Uhuru Kenyatta and Switzerland President Alain Berset who is currently on a state visit to Kenya.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, President Kenyatta insisted that corruption won’t be tolerated and the framework agreed outlines the commitment and action plan for recovering proceeds of crime and corruption, “It will ensure illegally acquired wealth held outside the country is repatriated to benefit the Kenya people,” he said.
He added that the agreement will give the investigative and prosecutive bodies new instruments in the fight against corruption. “We look forward to returning hard-earned wealth to Kenya where it can be put to work for the good of our country and our people,” said President Kenyatta, adding that asset recovery deters corruption.
Swiss President Alain Berset lauded the agreement, saying that Switzerland and Kenya enjoy a close and productive cooperation in fighting corruption. He said the reason behind his state visit is to improve the political and economic relations between Switzerland and Kenya and deepening relations.