Kenya seeks more cooperation to fight transnational crimes

Kenya plans to enhance its fight against transnational crimes through better collaboration with international partners, a judiciary official said Wednesday.

Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu told a regional justice forum in Nairobi that despite significant steps to improve its legislative and regulatory framework, Kenya remains vulnerable to transnational crimes.

"We are seeking to sign more cooperation agreements with global partners so as to curb transnational crime by both domestic and foreign organized criminal entities," Mwilu said at a conference on human trafficking and international organized crimes.

The event brought over 100 local and international jurists, senior government officials to discuss causes of and responses to transnational crimes.

"We are increasing our capacity to deal with transnational crimes when they are brought before courts by training judges and judicial officers in this area," Mwilu said.

She noted that Kenya's increasingly connected and sophisticated financial service industry has a made it a hub for transnational crime.

"The large capital inflows, many illicit, from across this conflict-affected region, make the challenge of international money laundering and financial fraud a real issue," Mwilu added.

The deputy chief justice said Kenya will remain steadfast in its resolve to bring to justice those involved in transnational crimes, and in addressing the root causes and conditions that enable them.

Weak law enforcement, corruption and inadequate sanctions and legislation have been identified as among the key factors that facilitate international organized crimes. Endit