Chapter 6: LEADERSHIP AND INTEGRITY

Article 73. Responsibilities of leadership

Navigate this chapter (8 articles)

• 73. Responsibilities of leadership (current)
• 74. Oath of office of State officers
• 75. Conduct of State officers
• 76. Financial probity of State officers
• 77. Restriction on activities of State officers
• 78. Citizenship and leadership
• 79. Legislation to establish the ethics and anti-corruption commission
• 80. Legislation on leadership

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In this Chapter

Official Constitutional Text

73. (1) Authority assigned to a State officer—

(a) is a public trust to be exercised in a manner that—

(i) is consistent with the purposes and objects of this Constitution;

(ii) demonstrates respect for the people;

(iii) brings honour to the nation and dignity to the office; and

(iv) promotes public confidence in the integrity of the office; and

(b) vests in the State officer the responsibility to serve the people, rather than the power to rule them.

(2) The guiding principles of leadership and integrity include—

(a) selection on the basis of personal integrity, competence and suitability, or election in free and fair elections;

(b) objectivity and impartiality in decision making, and in ensuring that decisions are not influenced by nepotism, favouritism, other improper motives or corrupt practices;

(c) selfless service based solely on the public interest, demonstrated by—

(i) honesty in the execution of public duties; and

(ii) the declaration of any personal interest that may conflict with public duties;

(d) accountability to the public for decisions and actions; and

(e) discipline and commitment in service to the people.

Plain English Explanation

This is a simplified summary to explain this article in clear language. It is not the legal text of the Constitution.

Article 73 of the Kenyan Constitution establishes that authority given to a state officer is a public trust that must be used to honor the nation, respect the people, and promote public confidence in the integrity of the office. It emphasizes that a state officer's core duty is to serve the public rather than rule over them. The article outlines the fundamental principles of leadership and integrity, requiring that leaders be chosen based on competence and fair elections, make objective decisions free from corruption or nepotism, and offer honest, selfless service. Furthermore, public officials must declare any personal conflicts of interest, remain fully accountable to the public for their actions, and demonstrate constant discipline and commitment in their service.