What does the law say about gifts offered to State and Public Officers?

The law provides that a gift or donation given to a State or Public Officer on a public or official occasion is a gift or donation to the State and shall be surrendered to the State. However, the law provides exemptions when a State or a Public Officer may receive and retain a gift. These include:  a gift given in ordinary bounds of courtesy and protocol, a gift of a non- monetary nature not exceeding the value prescribed by EACC and a gift from a relative or friend on an occasion recognized by custom.

The law expressly prohibits any gifts or hospitality given with the intention of compromising the integrity, objectivity or impartiality of the State or Pubic Officer. Some gifts such as jewellery, precious metal or stones, ivory or other animal part categorized as prohibited by law. The law obligates each public entity to maintain a register of gifts received and those given to other organizations.