(2009-0845-F) Kipyator Nicholas Kiprono arap Biwott

The materials in FOIA 2009-0845-F are a selective body of documents responsive to the topic of the FOIA . Researchers should consult the archivist about related materials. FOIA 2009-0845-F contains records concerning Nicholas Biwott, a Kenyan politician and businessman, and his alleged involvement in improper land and banking transactions. Born on February 22, 1940 in the Chebior village of Kenya, Kipyator Nicholas Kiprono arap Biwott was considered one of Kenya’s most powerful politicians during the presidency of Daniel arap Moi. Under Moi, Biwott served as Minister of Regional Development, Science and Technology (1979 – 1982), Minister of Energy (1982 – 1991), Minister of State in the Office of the President (January – December 1997), Minister of East African and Regional Co-operation (1998 – 1999), Minister of Tourism, Commerce, and Industry (1999 – 2001), and Minister of Trade and Industry (June 2001 – December 2002). In 2008, Biwott was elected leader of Kenya’s National Vision Party. This FOIA request specifically asks for records dealing with Biwott’s alleged involvement in Kenya’s Goldenberg affair of the early 1990’s. The scandal gets its name from the Goldenberg International company, which was accused of receiving as much as $600 million dollars in payments for fictitious diamond and gold exports, and is blamed for the near collapse of the Kenyan economy and the years of recession that followed. It was alleged that Nicholas Biwott was involved in the scandal, but he was never charged with any crime. NSC Cables describing the economic situation in Kenya in 1994 through 1998 are included as responsive to this FOIA. A cable from May 2000 regarding corruption in Kenya is also included. The majority of these records related to this FOIA case are closed for national security reasons.