Alain Berset, who holds the rotating Swiss presidency this year, and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta have discussed efforts to fight corruption as well as healthcare and international affairs. A Kenyan embassy in Bern is set to open later this year.
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A declaration of intent on the return of illegally acquired funds was also signed during official talks in Nairobi on Monday.
The declaration of intent on the Framework for the Return of Assets from Corruption and Crime in Kenya (FRACCK) sets out best practices regarding the return of illegally acquired funds to Kenya. In particular these include transparency and accountability in the return process, the use of funds for the benefit of the civilian population, and the possibility of investing the funds in projects to promote sustainable development.
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Swiss give Kenya legal assistance
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The handover on Thursday, which included banking records, was in response to requests by the Kenyan authorities for legal assistance in the case – in which a number of individuals are suspected of procuring lucrative government contracts by bribing civil servants. The scandal, which predates the 2002 election of Kenya’s current president, Mwai Kibaki, involves state contracts…
These principles will provide a framework for returning illegally acquired funds from Switzerland to Kenya, the foreign affairs ministry said on Monday. In addition to Switzerland, Britain and the Channel Island of Jersey will join in signing the declaration of intent with Kenya. Assets are currently frozen in these countries as in Switzerland (roughly $2 million (CHF1.98 million)) following a request for legal assistance.
Berset stressed the importance of strong national judicial bodies for democracy and the rule of law, and commended the independence of Kenya’s justice system, which was demonstrated when the presidential elections were re-run in 2017.
Increasingly important partner
Switzerland considers Kenya to be an increasingly important partner, both politically and economically, the foreign affairs ministry said.
Kenya is among Switzerland’s five most important trade partners south of the Sahara; bilateral trade has doubled since 2005. While Switzerland has been served from London in recent years, President Kenyatta announced that Kenya plans to open an embassy in Bern by the end of the year.
The ministry said there is also potential for closer cooperation in view of the plans of the Kenyan government to expand the public health service. The Swiss delegation explained that Swiss firms were following with great interest the steps taken by Kenya to improve the investment climate in numerous sectors.
Regarding international affairs, the two sides discussed the situation in East Africa, particularly in Somalia and South Sudan, as well as the positive steps being taken between Eritrea and Ethiopia. Further topics of discussion included cooperation between Switzerland and Kenya at the international level, as well as Switzerland’s relations with the African Union, which have intensified in recent years.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
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Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
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Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
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In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
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Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
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After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
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From refugee to neurobiologist
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Abdurahman Mohamad Mah arrived in Switzerland as a refugee at the age of six. Now he is a neurobiologist. This is his story.
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Swiss authorities have launched an investigation into a high-ranking Swiss diplomat over corruption allegations in Kenya.
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Swiss investigators have met their Kenyan counterparts in Nairobi to discuss legal cooperation surrounding an investigation into the multi-million-dollar Anglo Leasing corruption scandal.
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The two largest Swiss travel firms played down the significance of the attack last Friday near one of the country’s national parks in which the tourists’ driver was killed. Kenyan safaris feature prominently in the Kuoni and Hotelplan winter destination catalogues. Last year according to the Kenyan tourism ministry, 13,440 Swiss came to experience the antelopes,…
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.