Dahabshiil resumes operations after CBK lifts ban

One of two Dahabshiil's branches in Nairobi. The money transfer firm resumed operations after CBK lifted its suspension. PHOTO | JENNIFER MUIRURI |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

By TEA REPORTER

In Summary

• Kenya has lifted suspension of Somali remittance firm Dahabshiil that was banned with 12 others in April following a deadly attack that killed 148 Garissa University students.
• The money transfer firms were among a list of 85 entities with alleged links to Somalia's Al Shabaab.

Kenya has lifted suspension of Somali remittance firm Dahabshiil that was banned with 12 others in April following a deadly attack that killed 148 Garissa University students.

President Uhuru Kenya had last week directed the Central Bank of Kenya to issue comprehensive regulations that would guide the operation of money remittance providers, upon which their suspension would be lifted.

Dahabshiil, a leading remittance firm, said in a statement that CBK carried out a comprehensive review of its operations, policies and practices.

“We are delighted to resume our services in Kenya," said Dahabshiil chief executive Abdirashid Duale, adding that "We are also pleased we can resume working with the many international organisations who use our services to support vital humanitarian and development programmes.”

Dahabshiil is used by 95 per cent of international agencies and charities in Somalia.

The firm said CBK "satisfied that the company complies fully with the law, and operates strict anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing practices."

Those affected by the ban included Kendy, UAE Exchange, Amal, Iftin, Kaah Express, Amana, Juba Express, Tawakal, Bakaal, Hodan, Continental and Flex. The money transfer firms were among a list of 85 entities with alleged links to Somalia's Al Shabaab.

Mr Duale said the firm will now have access to the Integrated Population Registration Services, a central database on all Kenyan citizens and foreign nationals resident in the country, in order to facilitate customer due diligence.

Dahabshiil operates in 126 countries, including Kenya, UK and the US