You have 30 days to declare your wealth, EACC tells State Officers
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has issued a circular requiring each newly elected, nominated or appointed state officer, or any officer exiting government officials to declare their wealth for audit.
The commission cited the Public Officer Ethics Act, on the mandatory requirement to declare their wealth within 30 days of assuming office, and that failure to declare or making a false declaration amounts to a criminal offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding Sh1 million or up to one-year imprisonment or to both.
In a statement, EACC noted that the officials should declare their wealth within 30 days.
@EACCKenya has issued a Circular requiring each newly elected, nominated or appointed State Officer, or any officer exiting Government following the August election to declare wealth of him/herself, spouse(s) and children under 18 years, within 30 days.
— EACC (@EACCKenya) September 8, 2022
The wealth declaration by public officials provides crucial information to law enforcement bodies, especially in the recovery of unexplained wealth or corruptly acquired assets.
“Each newly elected, nominated or appointed State Officer, or any officer exiting Government following the August election to declare wealth of him/herself, spouse(s) and children under 18 years, within 30 days,” EACC said.
The agency explained that declaration of wealth by state and public officers is crucial in the fight against corruption.
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“Wealth declaration by public officials provides crucial information to law enforcement bodies, especially in the recovery of unexplained wealth or corruptly acquired assets,” EACC stated.
As part of measures of curbing corruption in the counties, the commission on August 25, 2022 signed integrity codes with all newly elected Governors, in the presence of High Court judges.
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Following the integrity pledge, EACC committed to supporting the new administrations to strengthen accountability systems and seal loopholes that permit corruption.
In 2003, Kenya was among the first countries to ratify the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, which led to the introduction of the Public Officer Ethics Act (POEA).
The POEA created a system of wealth declarations in Kenya, whereby all public officers and their spouses are required to declare their wealth.
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