NAIROBI, Kenya — The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has issued a fresh warning to state and public officers over the operation of bank accounts outside Kenya, cautioning that failure to follow laid-down procedures amounts to a violation of the law.
In a notice issued on Monday, January 19, the commission said all public and state officers are required to obtain prior approval from EACC before holding or operating foreign bank accounts.
The commission further directed officers to submit annual declarations detailing such accounts through its online integrity portal.
“All state/public officers must seek EACC’s approval before operating bank accounts outside Kenya and submit annual statements via adili.eacc.go.ke,” the notice read.
EACC warned that failure to comply attracts penalties under Section 19 of the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012, which regulates ethical conduct and financial accountability among public office holders.
The commission said the requirement is aimed at enhancing transparency, preventing illicit financial flows, and strengthening oversight over public officers’ financial dealings.
The warning comes against the backdrop of renewed anti-corruption enforcement targeting misuse of public resources and abuse of office across government institutions.
Link to Ongoing Corruption Probes
The notice follows recent action by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which ordered the prosecution of five former Homa Bay County officials and a private company over alleged procurement irregularities involving Sh348,927,840.
In a statement issued on Friday, January 16, ODPP said the directive followed a review of an inquiry file submitted by EACC.
Investigations revealed that the former Clerk of the Homa Bay County Assembly, Odhiambo Daniel Kaudo, alongside other senior officials, allegedly engaged in irregular procurement during the award of a tender for the construction of the county assembly office block.
The tender was reportedly awarded to a company linked to county employees, raising concerns over conflict of interest, abuse of office, and violations of public procurement laws.
Those charged include Kaudo, Fath Adhiambo Apuko, Patrick Tunoi, Roseline Anyango Odhiambo, Mary Pauline Oduor, and Hartland Enterprises Limited director James Mumali Oyuka.
The suspects face multiple charges, including abuse of office, willful failure to comply with procurement laws, unlawful acquisition of public property, and fraudulent acquisition of public assets.
The ODPP said the prosecutions underscore its commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding public resources.
“The ODPP reiterates its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, promoting public interest, ensuring the proper administration of justice, and preventing the abuse of legal processes,” the statement said.
EACC has in recent months intensified compliance reminders to public officers as part of broader efforts to tighten financial disclosures and curb corruption, particularly involving offshore assets and undeclared wealth.
The commission urged all public officers to adhere strictly to the law, warning that enforcement action will be taken against those found in breach.
