Kenyans have over Ksh38 billion in unclaimed assets waiting to be collected from the government, Public Investments and Assets Management PS Cyrell Odede has revealed.
Speaking at the national launch of Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA) desks at Huduma Centres, Odede said the state has so far issued only Ksh3 billion of the Ksh41 billion recovered in cash and shares. He urged citizens to follow up on funds belonging to deceased relatives, noting that many Kenyans are unaware of the assets left behind by family members.
“So far, we have given out Ksh3 billion. There is still a lot waiting for you. We have collected Ksh41 billion in cash and Ksh2 billion in shares valued at Ksh80 billion,” Odede said.
The nationwide rollout of UFAA desks at all 59 Huduma Centres makes it easier for citizens who previously travelled long distances to Nairobi to claim their unclaimed assets. Odede emphasized that these funds rightfully belong to Kenyans and that the government acts only as a custodian.
The UFAA is a government agency responsible for managing unclaimed financial assets, including dormant bank accounts, unclaimed dividends, insurance proceeds, and other financial instruments. Its functions include receiving unclaimed assets from financial institutions, safeguarding them, locating rightful owners, and returning the assets to them. The Authority currently manages over Ksh55 billion in unclaimed assets.
Odede also encouraged disadvantaged groups, including youth, women, and people with disabilities, to leverage the government’s digital platforms to apply for tenders, boosting access to county and national government services. “Those at the bottom of the pyramid should be able to participate in business with the government. Register digitally and access tenders,” he said.
Public Service PS Dr Jane Imbunya described the rollout as a major milestone for transparency and citizen empowerment. “Many times we lose loved ones without knowing the property they left behind. Today marks a new dawn for Kenyans who can now access what is rightfully theirs,” she said.
The UFAA desks allow citizens to search using a name or national ID number. Staff not only help trace unclaimed assets but also guide users through the process, offering advice on how to manage financial risks associated with loss of family members. Officials say the move will help cushion citizens against fraud, disputes, and administrative challenges, making it easier to reclaim their money safely and efficiently.
Odede highlighted that the initiative is part of a broader government strategy to improve financial inclusion, enhance transparency, and empower citizens to take control of dormant and unclaimed assets while opening opportunities for economic participation across the country.
