Public officers stashing cash abroad have been put on notice.The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has warned that operating foreign bank accounts without its approval is illegal and could land state and public servants in serious trouble.
In a sharp public advisory, the anti-graft watchdog said any public officer who opens or runs an offshore account without clearance is in breach of the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012 — and risks stiff penalties.
“Failure to comply attracts penalties under the law,” EACC warned.
The commission said the law is clear: public officers must first seek approval before opening or operating bank accounts outside Kenya and must disclose those accounts every year.
The directive is anchored in Section 19 of the Leadership and Integrity Act, which requires state officers to declare all income, assets and liabilities held both locally and abroad.
According to EACC, the rules apply across the board — from elected leaders and political appointees to senior civil servants and officials in state corporations.No rank is exempt.
The anti-graft body said undisclosed foreign accounts are a favourite hiding place for proceeds of corruption, illicit financial flows and abuse of office.
“Accountability has no borders,” EACC said, warning that public officers cannot escape scrutiny by moving money beyond Kenya’s jurisdiction.
The commission stressed that monitoring overseas financial interests is critical in sealing corruption loopholes and protecting public trust.
Under the law, all public officers are required to submit annual wealth declarations detailing their income, assets and liabilities — including any bank accounts held outside the country.
EACC has directed officers to file the disclosures through its online integrity portal, adili.eacc.go.ke, within the set timelines.
The renewed warning comes amid heightened scrutiny of wealth declarations, with investigators increasingly zeroing in on public officials suspected of running multiple offshore accounts.
Insiders say several officers are already on the radar, as EACC tightens the net on hidden fortunes and unexplained wealth.For public officers tempted to hide money abroad, the message is blunt: declare it — or face the law.
