Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09NAIROBI546
2009-03-17 14:04:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Nairobi
Cable title:
ADVANCING THE REFORM PROCESS IN KENYA -- VISA
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UNCLAS NAIROBI 000546
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR AF/E
LONDON, PARIS, ROME FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KDEM PREL PGOV CONS KE PINR
SUBJECT: ADVANCING THE REFORM PROCESS IN KENYA -- VISA
REVOCATION
UNCLASSIFIED -- ENTIRE TEXT.
UNCLAS NAIROBI 000546
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR AF/E
LONDON, PARIS, ROME FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KDEM PREL PGOV CONS KE PINR
SUBJECT: ADVANCING THE REFORM PROCESS IN KENYA -- VISA
REVOCATION
UNCLASSIFIED -- ENTIRE TEXT.
1. As approved by Washington, we have found an individual
ineligible under section 212f for engaging in official
corruption. This step has been taken on the merits, and as
part of continuing efforts to encourage coalition government
action on the reform agenda, including specifically action
against corruption.
2. The Ambassador held a press conference on March 17 to
announce the decision. Text of his statement follows.
Begin text:
Today I am announcing that the United States has added
another name to the list of those permanently ineligible to
enter the U.S. due to engagement in official corruption.
Under the provisions of U.S. Presidential Proclamation 7750,
the United States Government reserves the right to suspend
the entry into the United States of any non-American person
&engaged in or benefiting from public official corruption.8
The United States has previously invoked this Proclamation on
multiple occasions to bar the issuance of visa to Kenyan
nationals. This statement is to announce that we have again
invoked this authority, and have added another person to the
list. Due to U.S. regulations regarding protection of
privacy, we will not name the person. The person will soon be
notified regarding the ineligibility. We also note that the
authorities of the Proclamation can be used to extend
ineligibility to the spouses and children of those found
ineligible.
This action again demonstrates the commitment of the U.S.
Government to stand by the side of the Kenyan people to end
the culture of impunity. Those engaged in corruption must be
held accountable. We note, in that regard, that applying the
Proclamation is only one tool at our disposal.
We are continuing to monitor the situation in Kenya,
including collecting information on acts of corruption
engaged in by public officials. A number of cases are under
review. We will continue to apply our authority to suspend
and deny visas as warranted.
End Text.
3. We expect this step to receive extensive media coverage,
and to have a constructive impact in highlighting U.S.
commitment on reform and, potentially, in influencing some
action by the coalition government. Visas to the U.S. are
highly sought after and prized by Kenyans. In our
experience, just the idea of possibly being denied a visa (or
having one revoked) can be a powerful incentive for
politicians and government officials to change their
attitudes and behavior.
RANNEBERGER
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR AF/E
LONDON, PARIS, ROME FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KDEM PREL PGOV CONS KE PINR
SUBJECT: ADVANCING THE REFORM PROCESS IN KENYA -- VISA
REVOCATION
UNCLASSIFIED -- ENTIRE TEXT.
1. As approved by Washington, we have found an individual
ineligible under section 212f for engaging in official
corruption. This step has been taken on the merits, and as
part of continuing efforts to encourage coalition government
action on the reform agenda, including specifically action
against corruption.
2. The Ambassador held a press conference on March 17 to
announce the decision. Text of his statement follows.
Begin text:
Today I am announcing that the United States has added
another name to the list of those permanently ineligible to
enter the U.S. due to engagement in official corruption.
Under the provisions of U.S. Presidential Proclamation 7750,
the United States Government reserves the right to suspend
the entry into the United States of any non-American person
&engaged in or benefiting from public official corruption.8
The United States has previously invoked this Proclamation on
multiple occasions to bar the issuance of visa to Kenyan
nationals. This statement is to announce that we have again
invoked this authority, and have added another person to the
list. Due to U.S. regulations regarding protection of
privacy, we will not name the person. The person will soon be
notified regarding the ineligibility. We also note that the
authorities of the Proclamation can be used to extend
ineligibility to the spouses and children of those found
ineligible.
This action again demonstrates the commitment of the U.S.
Government to stand by the side of the Kenyan people to end
the culture of impunity. Those engaged in corruption must be
held accountable. We note, in that regard, that applying the
Proclamation is only one tool at our disposal.
We are continuing to monitor the situation in Kenya,
including collecting information on acts of corruption
engaged in by public officials. A number of cases are under
review. We will continue to apply our authority to suspend
and deny visas as warranted.
End Text.
3. We expect this step to receive extensive media coverage,
and to have a constructive impact in highlighting U.S.
commitment on reform and, potentially, in influencing some
action by the coalition government. Visas to the U.S. are
highly sought after and prized by Kenyans. In our
experience, just the idea of possibly being denied a visa (or
having one revoked) can be a powerful incentive for
politicians and government officials to change their
attitudes and behavior.
RANNEBERGER