GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 4553

PURSUANT to section 37 of the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012, the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet establishes this Leadership and Integrity Code to be observed by and binding upon State and Public Officers in the County Government. PART I— STATEMENT OF INTENT A Leadership and Integrity Code for Officers in the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet made pursuant to the provisions-of Section 37 of the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012 and to give effect to Chapter Six of the Constitution -of Kenya. The Code is intended to establish standards of integrity and ethical conduct in the leadership and management of public affairs of the County Government by ensuring that the Officers respect the values, principles and provisions of the Constitution and other applicable laws or policies on the standards of conduct and performance expected of holders of public office in the discharge of their duties. PART II—PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS Citation 1.This Code may be cited as the Leadership and Integrity Code for Officers in the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet. Commencement 2.This Code shall come into operation within seven days of its publication in the Kenya Gazette. Interpretation 3.In this code, unless the context otherwise requires — "Act" means the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012; [No. 19 of 2012]; "Accounting Officer" means the County Secretary of the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet; "Authorized Officer" means the Governor of Elgeyo Marakwet County and includes' his/her designate; "Bank Account" means an account, maintained by a bank or any other financial, institution for and in the name of, or in the name designated by, a customer of the bank or other financial institution and into which money is paid or withdrawn by or for the benefit of that customer or held in trust for that customer and in which the transactions between the customer and the bank or other financial . institution are recorded; "Code" means the Leadership and Integrity Code for State and Public Officers of the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet; "Commission" means the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission established under section 3 of the Ethics and Anti-corruption commission Act, No. 22 of 2011; "County Governmenr_ means the executive arm of the County Government; "Gazette" means the Kenya Gazette; "Office" means a position of responsibility in the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet; "Officer" means a Public Officer or State Officer in the County GOvernment of Elgeyo Marakwet; "Personal Interest" means a matter in which an Officer has a direct or indirect pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest and includes the interest of this or her spouse, child, business associate or agent; "Public Officer" means any person other than a state officer who holds a public office; "Regulations" means the Regulations made by the Ethics and Anti- Corruption Commission pursuant to section 54 of the Act; "Serving State and Public Officer" means a State and Public Officer who is in office at the time of commencement of this Code; `State Officer" means a member of the County Executive Committee of the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet; Legal Framework for the Code 4. The provisions of Chapter Six of the Constitution, the Leadership and Integrity Act, the Public Officer Ethics Act, 2003 and shall form part of the code. Commitment to the Code 5. (1) (a) A State Officer elected to the County Executive shall sign and commit to this Code at the time of taking oath of office or within seven days of assuming office. (b) A Public Officer appointed to an office in the County Government shall sign and commit to this Code within fourteen days of assuming office. (2)A serving Officer shall sign and commit to this Code within fourteen days of the publication of the Code in the Gazette. (3)The declaration of commitment to the Code shall take the-form and structure set out in the First Schedule to this Code. PART II—REQUIREMENTS Rule of law 6. (1) An Officer shall respect and abide by the Constitution and all other laws. (2)An Officer shall carry out the duties of his or her office in accordance with the law. (3)In carrying out the duties of his or her office, a Officer shall not violate the rights and fundamental freedoms of any person. Public trust 7. An Officer is a position of public trust and the authority and responsibility vested in an Officer shall be exercised by the Officer in the best interest of the office and the people of Elgeyo Marakwet. Responsibility and duties 8. Subject to the constitution and any other law, a State Officer shall take personal responsibility for the reasonably foreseeable consequences of any actions or omissions arising from the discharge of the duties of his or her office. Performance of duties 9. An Officer shall, to the best of his or her ability — (a)carry out the duties of the office efficiently and honestly; (b)carry out the duties of the office in a transparent ajid accountable manner; (c)keep accurate records and documents relating to the functions of the office; and (d)report truthfully on all matters of the office. Professionalism 10. An Officer shall— (a)carry out the duties of his or her office in a manner that maintains public confidence in the integrity of the office; (b)treat members of the public, staff and other state and public officers with courtesy and respect; (c)to the extent appropriate to the office, maintain high standards of performance and level of professionalism within the office and; (d)if the Officer is a member of a professional body, observe and subscribe to the ethical and professional requirements of that body in so far as the requirements do not contravene the Constitution, any other law or this Code. Financial integrity 11 . (1) An Officer shall not use his or her office to unlawfully or wrongfully enrich himself or herself or any other person. (2)An Officer shall not accept a personal loan or benefit which may compromise the Officer in carrying out his or her duties. (3)An Officer shall submit an initial declaration of income, assets and liabilities within thirty days of assuming office and thereafter make biennial declarations to the office, and a final declaration within (30) days of ceasing to be an Officer. (4)The Declaration under sub-paragraph (3) above shall be submitted to the County Public Service Board. (5)A declaration filed by an Officer in accordance with the provisions of sub-paragraph (3) shall be accessible to the Commission and any other person, subject to the provisions of Section 30 of the Public Officer Ethics Act, 2003. (6)An Officer shall pay any taxes, loans or other debts due from him within the prescribed period (7)An Officer shall not neglect his/her financial or legal obligations. Moral and ethical requirements 13. (1) An Officer shall observe and maintain the following ethical and moral requirements — (a)demonstrate honesty in the conduct of his or her public and private affairs; (b)not to engage in activities that amount to abuse of office; (c)accurately and honesty represent information to the public; (d)not engage in wrongful conduct in furtherance of personal benefit; (e)not misuse public resources; (f)not falsify any records; (g)not sexually harass or have inappropriate sexual relations with other Officers, staff of the office or any other person; (h)not engage in actions which would lead to the Officer's • removal from the membership of a professional body in accordance with the law; (i)not commit offences and in particular, any of the offences under parts XV and XVI of the Penal Code, Sexual Offences Act, 2006, the Counter- Trafficking in Persons Act, 2008, and the Children Act 2001; (j)not engage in fighting or physical confrontation with any person; (k)maintain high standards of etiquette at all times. (2) A person who wishes to be appointed to an office shall for the purposes of this Code, submit a self-declaration form to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. Gifts or benefits in kind 14. (1) A gift or donation given to an Officer on a public or official occasion shall be treated as a gift or donation to the office. (2) Notwithstanding subparagraph (1) an Officer may receive a gift given to the Officer in official capacity, provided that — (a)the gift is within the ordinary bounds of propriety, a usual expression of courtesy or protocol and within the ordinary standards of hospitality; (b)the gift is not monetary; (c)the gift does not exceed the value of Kenya Shillings twenty thousand or such other amount as may be prescribed by the Commission through Regulations. (3.) An Officer shall not — (a) Accept oL solicit gifts, hospitality or other benefits from a person who — (i)has an interest in any matter under consideration by the Office (ii)has a contractual relationship with the office (iii)has any interest that is directly or indirectly connected with the Officer's duties (iv)receive a gift which has the potential of compromising his or her integrity, objectivity or impartiality or (v) accept any type of gift expressly prohibited under the Act; (4)An Officer who receives a gift or donation' shall declare the gift or donation to the Accounting Officer within seven days of receipt of the gift. (5)All departments shall maintain a register of all gifts received by their Officers and another register of all gifts given by the office to other Officers. Wrongful or unlawful acquisition of property 15.An Officer shall not use the office to wrongfully or unlawfully acquire or influence the acquisition of public or other property. Conflict of interest 16.(1) An Officer shall use the best efforts to avoid being in a conflict of interest a situation where his or her personal interests conflict or appear to conflict with the Officer's official duties. (2) Without limiting the generality of subparagraph (1) an 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 of interest with the Officer's official duties. (3) An Officer whose personal interest conflict with his or her official duties shall declare the personal interest to the office. (4) The Office may give directions on the appropriate action to be taken by the Officer to avoid the conflict of interest and the Officer shall comply with the directions, and refrain from participating in any deliberations with respect to the matter. (5) Any direction issued by the office under sub paragraph (4) shall be in writing. (6) Notwithstanding any directions to the contrary under subparagraph (4) a Officer shall not influence the award of a contract to-- (a)himself or herself; (b)the Officers spouse or child; (c)a business associate or agent; or (d)a corporation, private company, partnership or other body in which the officer has a substantial or controlling interest. (7) Where an Officer is present at a meeting, and an issue which is likely to result in a conflict of interest is to be discussed, the Officer shall declare the interest at the beginning of the meeting or before the issue is deliberated upon. (8) A declaration of a conflict of interest under subparagraph (7) shall be recorded in the minutes of that meeting. (9) The Office shall maintain a register of conflicts of interest in the prescribed form in which an affected Officer shall register the particulars of the registrable interests, stating the nature and extent of the conflict. (10) For purposes of subparagraph (9), the registrable interests shall include— (a)the interests set out in the second schedule of the Act; (b)any connection with a person, firm or a company, whether by relation, holding of shares or otherwise, which is subject of an investigation by the Constitution. 17th June, 2016 THE KENYA GAZETTE 2477 (c)any application for employment or other form of engagement with the office by a family member of the Officer or by a corporation or other body associated with the Officer. (d)any application to the office, by a family member of the Officer, for clearance with respect to appointment or election to any public office. (e)any other matter which, in the opinion of the Officer, taking into account the circumstances thereof, is necessary for registration as a conflict of interest. (11)The County Departments shall keep the register of conflicts of interest for five years after the last entry in each volume of the register. (12)The County Departments shall prepare a report of the registered interests within thirty days after the close of a financial year. (13)An Officer shall ensure that an entry of registrable interests under subparagraph (9) is updated and to notify the county department of any changes in the registrable interests, within one month of each change occurring. Participation in tenders invited by the County 17. (1) An Officer shall not participate in a tender for the supply of goods or services to the office. (2) Notwithstanding subparagraph (1) a company or entity associated with the Officer shall not be construed as trading with the office, unless; (a)the Officer has a controlling shareholding in the company or entity; or (b)the Officer is a director of the company; or (c)the Officer is a managing partner in a firm providing services to the office. Public Collections 18. (1) An Officer shalt not solicit for contributions from the office or any other person or, public entity for a public purpose unless the President has, by notice in the Gazette, declared a national disaster and allowed a public collection for the purpose of the national disaster in accordance with the law. (2)An Officer shall not participate in a public collection of funds in a way that reflects adversely on the Officers' integrity, impartiality or interferes with the Performance of the official duties. (3)Nothing in this clause shall be construed as prohibiting an Officer from making voluntary contribution. Bank accounts outside Kenya 19. (1) Subject to Article 76(2) of the Constitution or any other written law, an Officer shall not open or continue to operate a bank account outside Kenya without the approval of the Commission. (2)An Officer who has reasonable grounds for opening or operating a bank account outside Kenya shall apply to the commission for approval to open or operate such account. (3)An Officer who operates or controls the operation of a bank account outside Kenya shall submit statements of the account annually to the commission and authorize the commission to verify the statements and any other relevant information from the foreign financial institution in which the account is held. (4)Subject to subparagraph (1) and (2), a person who is appointed as a Officer in the office and has a bank account outside Kenya shall, upon such appointment close the bank account within 3 months or such other period as the Commission may prescribe by notice in the Gazette (5)Subject to subparagraph (4) an Officer may open or continue to operate a bank account outside Kenya as may be authorized by the Commission in writing. Acting for foreigners 20. (1) An Officer shall not be an agent of, or further the interests of a foreign government, organization or individual in a manner that may be detrimental to the security interests of Kenya, except when acting in the course of official duty. (2) For the purposes of this paragraph — (a)an individual is a foreigner if the individual is not a citizen of Kenya; and (b)an organization is foreign if it is established outside Kenya or is owned or controlled by a foreign government, organization or individual; Care of property 21 (1) An Officer shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that public property in his or her custody, possession or control is taken care of and is in good repair and Condition. (2)An Officer shall not use public property, funds or services that are acquired in the course of or as a result of the official duties, for private activities that are not related to the official work of the Officer. (3)An Officer shall return to the office all the public property in his or her custody, possession or control at the end of the election or contract term. (4)An Officer who contravenes subparagraph (2) or (3) shall, in addition to any other penalties provided for under the Constitution, the Act or any other law, be personally liable for any loss or damage to the public property. Misuse of official information 22. (1) An Officer shall not directly or indirectly use or allow any person under the officer's authority to use any Information obtained through or in connection with the office, which is not available in the public domain, for the furthering of any private interest, whether financial or otherwise. (2) An Officer shall not be deemed to have violated the requirements of subparagraph (1), if the information given — (a)pursuant to a court order (b)for purposes of educational, research, literary, scientific or other purposes not prohibited by law; or (c)in compliance with Article 35 of the Constitution and the relevant law. Impartiality 24.An Officer shall, at all times, carry out the duties of the Office with impartiality and objectivity in accordance with principles and values set out in Articles 10, 27, 73 (2)(b) and 232 of the Constitution and shall not practice favouritism, nepotism, tribalism, cronyism, religious bias or engage in other preferential treatment of another Officer, or a member of the public. Giving of advice 25.An Officer who has a duty to give advice shall give honest, accurate and impartial advice without fear or favour. Offers of future Employment 27.(1) An Officer shall not allow himself or herself to be influenced, in the performance of his or her duties by plans or expectations for or offers of future employment or benefits. (2) An Officer shall disclose, in writing, to the Commission, all offers of future employment or benefits that could place the Officer in a situation of conflict of interest. Misleading the public 28.An Officer shall not knowingly give false or misleading information to any person. Falsification of Records 29.An Officer shall not falsify any records or misrepresent information to the public. Conduct of Private Affairs 30.An Officer shall conduct their private affairs in a manner that maintains public confidence in the integrity of the Office. Bullying 31.(1) An Officer shall not bully another Officer or any other person. (2) For purposes of subparagraph (1) "bullying" includes blackmail, coercion, threats, intimidation or repeated offensive behaviour which is vindictive, cruel, malicious or humiliating whether Or not is intended to undermine a person and includes physical assault. Acting through Others 32. (1) An Officer shall not — (a)cause anything to be done through another person that would constitute a contravention of this Code, the Constitution or any other law if done by the Officer; or (b)allow or direct a person under their supervision or control to do anything that is in contravention of this Code, the Constitution or any other law. (c)subparagraph (1) (b) shall not apply where anything is done without the Officer's knowledge or consent or if the Officer has taken reasonable steps to prevent it. Reporting improper orders 33. (1) If an Officer considers that anything required of him or her is in contravention of the Code or is otherwise improper or unethical, the officer shall report the matter to the authorized officer. (2) The authorized officer shall investigate the report and take appropriate action within ninety days of receiving the report. Duty to prevent occurrence of corruption or unethical practice in the office 34. An Officer who believes or has reason to believe a corrupt act or unethical malpractice has occurred or is about to occur in the office shall take all necessary measures to prevent it from continuing or materializing in addition to any other appropriate action. Use of Social Media 35. An Officer shall not use social media in a manner that is prejudicial to public interest, _national cohesion or that otherwise constitutes a breach of any law. Dress code 36. An Officer shall maintain appropriate standard of dress and personal hygiene at all times. Political and other Influence 37. (1)An Officer shall exercise independence in the discharge of his or her duties and shall not allow himself to be subjected to political or any other internal or external influence that is detrimental to public interest. (2)An Officer shall not influence or attempt to influence the decision of any other Officer or public entity on any matter. (3)An Officer shall not in any way interfere with the duties of any other Officer or public entity. Implementation of development projects 38. (1) An Officer shall exercise prudence ,in the undertaking of development projects and shall at all times prioritize projects that are most urgent to the public. (2)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1), an Officer shall, before planning for any project, to the extent applicable, undertake and facilitate public and stakeholder participation in the determination of the projects to be implemented at any given time. (3)An Officer shall not undertake any project withOut prior planning or budgeting. (4)An Officer shall not demand or accept any kickbacks, gifts, benefits or other favours from contractors. (5)An Officer shall not compromise or abet compromising of standards of any project implemented for the office. (6)An Officer shall, subject to the law, disclose all relevant information regarding any project to any person requiring such information Preferential treatment 39. An Officer shall ensure equal and equitable distribution of resources to all persons in any section of the population in his or her area of jurisdiction and shall not confer any undue advantage to any person or section of the population. PART III—ENFORCEMENT OF THE CODE 40. (1) Any person may lodge a complaint alleging a breach of this code by an Officer to the Office or to the commission. (2) Breach of this Code amounts to misconduct for which the Officer may be subjected to disciplinary proceedings including removal from office; (3)Where a Breach of this code amounts to violation of the Constitution, the Officer may be removed from the office in accordande with the applicable laws. (4)Where an allegation of breach is made to the Office, the person alleging the breach shall submit a petition setting out the grounds and facts of the alleged violation to the Authorized Officer. (5)Upon receipt of the Complaint, the Office shall register and carry out investigations into the complaint, and may take action against the Officer in accordance with the Act and any Regulations made by the Commission under the Act. (6)If upon investigation into the alleged breach of the Code, the Office is of the opinion that civil or criminal proceedings are to be preferred against the respective Officer, it shall refer the matter to - The Commission, with respect to civil matters; and The Director of Public Prosecutions with respect to criminal matters. (7)Where the complaint is made to the Commission, the Commission shall take such action against the Officer as it deems necessary in accordance with its mandate under the law. (8)Notwithstanding sub-paragraph (5), the Commission may, subject to the law, take any additional action it deems appropriate in relation to any breach of the Code or require the Office to take any action against an Officer who has breached the Code. Victimization 41. An Officer shall not in any way victimize any other Officer or any other person for any lawful action or omission. Duty of Authorized Officer and Accounting Officer to comply with directives of the Commission in implementation of the Code 42. The Authorized Officer or Accounting Officer of the County shall at all times comply with such orders or directives as may be issued by the Commission from time to time towards the implementation of this Code. PART IV—GENERAL PROVISIONS Advisory opinion 43. An Officer or the office may request the Commission to give an advisory opinion on any issue relating to, but not limited to — (a)the application of Chapter Six of the Constitution; (b)the application of the Act or any other applicable law or regulations dealing with the ethics and integrity of State and Public Officers; (c)the application of the Public Officer Ethics Act 2003, or any other law or regulations dealing with the ethics and integrity of public officers; (d)the application of this Code; (e)an ethical dilemma; or (f)any other matter incidental to the promotion of the ethics and integrity of Officers generally. (g)training on Leadership and Integrity 44. The office shall collaborate with the Commission to ensure that the Officers serving in the Office are sensitized on leadership and integrity issues at least once a year. Personal responsibility for compliance 45. Each Officer shall take personal responsibility for compliance with the provisions of this Code. Annual Report 46. The Authorized Officer or his designate shall cause to be prepared and submitted to the Commission an Annual Report on the progress made in implementation and enforcement of the Code in a prescribed format by the Commission. Amendment of the Code 47. The Office may with approval of the Commission amend this Code. 17th June, 2016 THE KENYA GAZETTE 2479 FIRST SCHEDULE (Para. 6(3)) COMMITMENT TO THE LEADERSHIP AND INTEGRITY CODE FOR OFFICERS IN THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF ELGEYO MARAKWET I holder of National ID/Passport No and Post Office Box No. having been elected/appointed as in the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet do hereby confirm that I have read and understood the Leadership and Integrity Code for Officers in the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet and hereby solemnly declare and commit myself to abide by the provisions of the Code at all times. SIGNED at By the said Deponent This .day of 20 ) Before Me ) ) ) Judge/ Magistrate/ Commissioner for Oaths PRESCRIBED for the Officers in the County Executive of Elgeyo Marakwet in accordance with the provisions of section 37 of the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012. At this day of 2015 GOVERNOR, ELGEYO MARAKWET COUNTY APPROVED by the Ethics and Anti-corruption commission, in accordance with the provisions of section 39 of the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012. At this day of 2015 SECRETARY/ CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ETHICS AND ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION MR/9383091