The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has warned government officials against operating offshore bank accounts without approval from the commission.
In a letter on Sunday October 22, EACC said offshore account holders are also required to submit annual bank account statements to EACC not later than January 31 of each succeeding year and upon closure to notify and furnish EACC with evidence of such closure within thirty days.
“The Commission is concerned that compliance with the above mandatory requirements has, to a large extent, not been complied with by State and Public officers, save for those serving in the Diplomatic Missions abroad,” read the letter in part.
EACC noted that the requirement applies for all bank accounts outside Kenya opened by or controlled by a state officer including for temporary purposes such as facilitation of travel, education or medical treatment.
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The commission further reminded the officers that they risk being fined five million shillings, a prison sentence of five years, or both if they don’t comply with the requirements.
“State and public officers are hereby reminded that operating a bank account outside Kenya without the approval of the Commission is an offence under Section 19(6) of the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012 for which upon conviction, a State or public officer shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or a fine not exceeding five million shillings or both,” EACC added.
