Kenya's anti-corruption laws explained
Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission / Kenya Law · sources read 4 Oct 2026
Kenya's main anti-corruption laws are the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act 2003 (offences and penalties), the Anti-Bribery Act, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2011 (which sets up EACC), the Leadership and Integrity Act 2012 and the Conflict of Interest Act 2025. Every public and private organisation must have its own procedures to prevent bribery and corruption.
- Where
- Read the laws, regulations and EACC guidelines free on the EACC Legislation page (eacc.go.ke). Report corruption to EACC toll free on 1551.
Steps
- The Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act 2003 (ACECA) sets out corruption and economic crime offences, such as stealing or misusing public property, abuse of office and dealing with property from corruption, and their punishment.
- The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2011 creates the EACC under Article 79 of the Constitution and sets out its powers. The Leadership and Integrity Act 2012 puts Chapter Six of the Constitution (leadership and integrity) into practice.
- Under the Anti-Bribery Act, every public or private organisation must put in place anti-bribery and anti-corruption procedures that fit its size and operations. EACC publishes guidelines and model procedures to help.
- Any officer or person in a public or private organisation who knows of or suspects bribery must report it to EACC within 24 hours. Not reporting is an offence.
- The Conflict of Interest Act 2025 governs conflicts of interest for public officers and replaced the Public Officer Ethics Act.
Watch out
- Under ACECA, a conviction can mean a fine of up to KSh 1 million, up to 10 years in jail, or both, plus an extra mandatory fine of twice the benefit gained or loss caused.
- A public officer charged with corruption is suspended on half pay until the case ends. Anyone convicted cannot be elected or appointed to public office for 10 years.
- Saying a bribe or 'gift' is normal practice in your business or office is no defence.
Who this covers
- The laws apply to everyone, including public officers, private individuals, and public and private organisations.
Official sources (5)
- Legislation eacc.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- About Us eacc.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, No. 3 of 2003 (Revised Edition 2016) eacc.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- Anti-Bribery Act (Cap. 79B) eacc.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- The Conflict of Interest Act, 2025 (No. 11 of 2025) eacc.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026