What the public Seal is and why it is not a symbol to toy around with

The Public Seal is a formal symbol affixed to important documents to signify their authenticity and official status.

Kenya’s Public Seal is outlined in the Second Schedule of the Constitution under national symbols. It also appears in Part Nine of Chapter Two, which covers national symbols and national days. Other national symbols include the national flag, national anthem, and coat of arms.

The Seal features Kenya’s coat of arms on a greyscale background, with two lions—representing protection—holding spears and a traditional East African shield. The shield and spears symbolise unity and the defence of freedom.

Surrounding the image are the words “Kenya” at the top and “Government” below, along with depictions of agricultural produce from across the country.

The Seal is used to authenticate critical government documents, signifying that they are legitimate and officially sanctioned.

According to Article 156(4) of the Constitution, the Attorney General is the designated custodian of the Public Seal in their role as the chief legal advisor to the government. The AG is responsible for using the Seal to validate agreements involving the government or its agencies, especially in treaties with institutions, states, or other entities.

As stipulated: “The seal of the office, when affixed to a document and duly authenticated, shall be judicially and officially noticed and, unless the contrary is proved, any necessary order or authorisation of the AG in respect of the seal under this section shall be presumed to have been duly given.”

Further, Section 28A(2) of the Office of the Attorney General Act affirms that the seal shall be kept in the AG’s custody, or with a person authorised by the AG. Its use is governed strictly by orders from the AG, meaning the law exclusively vests control of the Seal in the Office of the Attorney General.