The office of the Attorney General has unveiled a new set of laws that could hamper, Government lawyers from operating overseas bank accounts.
According to the new rules, Government lawyers will have to close their overseas bank accounts, failure to which they will need clearance and approval by the Ethics and Anti –Corruption Commission to bank abroad.
In addition to clearance by EACC, the State Lawyers will also need to file bank statements of the account every year.
Lawyers in the State Law Office, will also be barred from holding shares in Government institutions or firms where the holding of shares will expose them to conflict of interest.
“A State Officer shall not hold shares or have any other interest in a corporation, partnership or other body, directly or through another person, if holding those shares or having that interest would result in a conflict,” read the rules published in the Kenya Gazette.
The state counsels are also prohibited from using their connections to take legal shortcuts for personal gain or to solicit money and other favours in exchange for approving key contracts.
The newly gazetted regulations are geared toward enforcing integrity standards among State lawyers.
The legal team at the State Law Office, Led by AG Muigai is charged with advising the Government on how to negotiate, draft, vet local and international contracts among other duties.
