A new anti-corruption bill proposed in Kenya aims to significantly enhance the authority of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), giving it greater legal power to monitor, vet, and act against unethical public officers. Under the proposed law, the EACC would gain the right to vet all individuals seeking public office, enforce its recommendations without needing secondary approvals, and access private financial and communication records—including bank statements, M-Pesa logs, and mobile call data—without lengthy court procedures.
EACC Chairperson David Oginde has praised the bill, calling it a long-awaited reform that would allow the commission to take swift action against corruption and prevent compromised individuals from entering public service. The law would also allow for lifestyle audits and asset tracing to identify and recover unexplained wealth among government officials.
Public response has been mixed. While many Kenyans support stricter anti-corruption measures, some legal experts have warned about potential abuse of power and the need for strong accountability mechanisms within the EACC. Politicians across the spectrum have weighed in, with ruling party members supporting the bill and opposition leaders calling for greater transparency in the legislative process.
If passed, the law is expected to mark a major turning point in Kenya’s anti-corruption fight—introducing stronger enforcement mechanisms and reducing impunity among public servants.
