Although the Anti-Corruption and economic Crimes Act was enacted in May 2003, it was not until September 2004 that KACC director and assistant directors were appointed after parliamentary vetting and presidential appointment.

The Act also establishes the Kenya Anti-Corruption Advisory Board which recommends those to be appointed as directors and assistant directors. It also advises KACC on the exercise of its powers and performance of its functions.

KACC comprises four directorates-legal Services, Investigation and Asset Tracing, Prevention Services, and Finance and Administration. The departments under Legal services are civil litigation, crime reading and research and documentation. Investigation and Asset recovery comprises report and data centre, forensic investigation, special operations and intelligence production units.

The three departments under prevention Services are education, research and policy, partnerships, coalitions and interventions (prevention). KACC has spearheaded and coordinated the creation and implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Plan involving all sectors in the war on corruption. In 2009, the cases handled by KACC increased by 15.6 per cent to 4,473. The greatest increase was in cases referred to public service organisations for administrative interventions and those awaiting investigation.