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The World Bank has unveiled a new initiative that aims to help developing countries recover stolen assets stashed abroad.

This move would boost the fight against corruption in Kenya, but only if the Government signs up to the initiative. The programme, Stolen Assets and Recovery Initiative (StAR), was unveiled in April, but was, only launched in Kenya two weeks ago, said World Bank country director for Kenya, Eritrea, and Somalia, Colin Bruce. “We are ready to offer assistance if so requested by the Government,” Mr Bruce added. “By signalling to corrupt leaders that there will be no safe haven for stolen assets, StAR will constitute a formidable deterrent to corruption in developing countries,” a report detailing the need for the creation of the initiative stated.

The initiative draws it legal framework from the first global anti-corruption agreement, UN Convention Against Corruption, which came into force in December 2005. Kenya is a signatory. Mr Bruce was speaking in Nairobi at a press conference where he announce the launch of World Bank Group Public Forum, a six-week programme that will see the bank host various activities to explain itself to the public.