Quick Answer
Chapter Six of the Constitution — Leadership and Integrity — sets out the conduct expected of every state officer. It treats public authority as a trust to serve the people, and a serious breach can cost an officer their job and bar them from future office.
Key facts
- Chapter Six covers Articles 73–80.
- Public authority is a trust — to serve, not to rule.
- State officers must avoid conflicts of interest and keep financial probity.
- A serious breach can lead to dismissal and disqualification from office.
Leadership as a public trust
Article 73 sets the tone: authority assigned to a state officer is a public trust, to be exercised to serve the people and bring honour to the office. The Constitution’s own words are that office vests “the responsibility to serve the people, rather than the power to rule them.”
The conduct expected of state officers
Articles 74–78 spell out the duties:
- Take an oath of office before assuming it (Article 74).
- Avoid conflicts between personal interest and public duty, and not demean the office (Article 75).
- Keep financial probity — official gifts belong to the State, no compromising loans, and restrictions on foreign bank accounts (Article 76).
- Restrictions on activity — a full-time state officer may not take other paid work, and an appointed officer may not hold political-party office (Article 77).
- Certain state offices require Kenyan citizenship only (Article 78).
The consequences of breaching it
A breach is not cosmetic. Under Article 75, a person who contravenes these standards faces the relevant disciplinary process and may be dismissed — and someone removed for such a breach is disqualified from holding any other state office. The Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012 puts Chapter Six into practice.
Why this matters to you
These are the rules you can hold any leader to. They define what “integrity” legally means in office — and what should disqualify someone from holding it.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chapter Six?
The part of the Constitution (Articles 73–80) setting leadership and integrity standards for state officers.
Does it apply to all leaders?
It binds state officers, and is extended to public officers generally through the Leadership and Integrity Act.
What happens if a leader breaks it?
Disciplinary action, possible dismissal, and disqualification from holding future state office.
Sources & references
- Constitution of Kenya 2010, Chapter Six, Articles 73–80 — klrc.go.ke
- Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012 — kenyalaw.org