Reforms - 15 Top Officials black listed

The United States is threatening to impose travel ban on 15 top officials of the government if they continue being a stumbling block to the reform agenda.

U.S Ambassador Michael Ranneberger said letters have been sent to the individuals warning them against blocking reforms.

Ranneberger however said in the spirit of what he termed as private diplomacy, the names will not be released

The 15 unnamed individuals including cabinet ministers, members of parliament and prominent people were picked out after a careful assessment, and found to be a stumbling block to the reform agenda in Kenya.

This is not the first time the US has imposed or threatened Kenyans with travel sanctions. And the last time it happened, it sparked a wave of speculation, and sent prominent people panicking.

In recent months the U.S has criticized Kenya for failing to carry out reforms.

A cross section of leaders have also harshly criticised US pressure for reform.

Ranneberger now warns that Kenya risks losing Washington support .

The U.S. envoy said Washington will also insist that Kenya takes bold and decisive action against eradicating corruption, fully implement political and judicial reforms and the establishment of a permanent electoral commission.

"There is no reason why these reforms cannot be accelerated. Kenya has a moment in history now. The window of opportunity is now," he said.

The U.S. envoy said names of key individuals who received the letters were not based on evidence but noted that the individuals stood in the way for reforms.

He said Washington will take steps it deemed appropriate to hold accountable those who do not support the form agenda or support violence.

"The U.S. will more closely scrutinize all proposed projects, loans and other programs of assistance to Kenya that are brought before international financial institutions," he warned.

In pressing for implementation of the reform agenda, Ranneberger said Washington was supporting only what the vast majority of Kenyans want, expect, and deserve from their political leaders such as peaceful, fundamental change that will end the culture of impunity and a society governed by the rule of law and accountability all of which he said, amount to the changes needed to ensure there is never again a repeat of the unprecedented crisis Kenya suffered last year.

But while the U.S will continue to scrutinize proposals to the financial institutions, Ranneberger said its support will not wane.

He added that the US would "more closely scrutinise any proposals for Kenya in international financial institutions".

Currently upto 3 billion dollars worth of resources flow into Kenya.