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Calls for the reinstatement of hawalas continue


Push for reconsideration of the government decision to freeze accounts of suspended terrorism funders has rubbed hawala operators the wrong way.

The Kenya Forex Bureau Association has stated that 13 of the suspended hawalas were dully approved and licensed by the regulator.

In a press statement published in the dailies on Thursday, the association said that out of the 14 registered Money Remittance Providers (MRPs), only one, Safaricom MRP has not been suspended.

The statement that was undersigned by the association’s CEO Anthony Wachira stated that most of the suspended hawalas have in the past been inspected and audited adding that the regulator can conduct investigations while they are still operational.

“The MRPs’ licenses have been suspended without notice and without being given an opportunity to defend themselves greatly inconveniencing their clients,” read the statement in part.

SUSPECTED TERRORISTS

The association added that it was unfortunate that some of its legally operating members were being classified among suspected terrorists.

The 14 had their accounts frozen after a Gazzette Notice Tuesday urging them to explain within 24 hours why they should not be blacklisted for either taking part in or aiding terror activities.

The affected MRP’s are Sky Forex Bureau, Dahabshill Money Transfer, UAE Exchange Money Remittance, Kendy Money Transfer, Continental Money Transfer, Amal Express Money Transfer, Juba Express Money Transfer, Iftin Express Money Transfer, Kaah Express Money Transfer.

Others are, Amana Money Transfer, Bakaal Express Money Transfer, Hodan Global Money Remittance and Exchange, Tawakal Money Transfer and Flex Money Transfer.

On Thursday the Eastleigh Business Community held a press conference urging the government to revert its decision.

The community stated that out of the 13 MRPs affected, nine belonged to their members and their closure has affected businesses as some people depend on them solely.