NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has signed the long-debated Conflict of Interest Bill, 2025 into law, setting a new framework to manage ethical conduct and integrity among public servants.
The new legislation repeals the Public Officer Ethics Act and introduces stricter measures to address corruption and abuse of office.
The bill, first introduced by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, was passed in November 2023 and amended by the Senate in May 2024.
However, disagreements between the two Houses forced mediation, with President Ruto later returning the Bill with reservations on several key clauses.
The National Assembly and Senate finally approved a revised version—incorporating the President’s concerns—on June 3 and July 23, respectively. Ruto assented to the law on Wednesday morning at State House, Nairobi.
Tighter Rules, Greater Oversight
The new law hands enforcement powers to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), as provided under Article 79 of the Constitution. It bars public officers from:
- Accepting gifts or job offers that may influence official decisions,
- Engaging in contracts that conflict with their public duties, and
- Holding interests in companies doing business with their departments.
Additionally, public officers must declare their income, assets, and liabilities—including those of their spouses and children—every two years.
These declarations will be monitored under EACC oversight to ensure compliance and prevent abuse.
The law introduces a streamlined process for filing and investigating breaches, allowing individuals to report potential conflicts to relevant authorities or directly to the EACC.
However, it prohibits parallel investigations of the same matter unless concluded within 90 days, to avoid delays.
Broader Scope, New Accountability Targets
A major milestone in the Act is the expansion of asset declaration requirements.
High-ranking officials now required to disclose their wealth include Cabinet Secretaries, the Chief Justice, Members of County Assemblies, and others previously exempt under the repealed law.
The law aims to unify all conflict-of-interest provisions into one statute, simplifying enforcement and interpretation.
Tussle Over Definitions of Conflict
One of the most hotly contested sections of the Bill was the definition of a conflict of interest.
The initial version—supported by the Executive—included dealings involving relatives and close associates, covering both perceived and potential conflicts.
However, the Senate rejected this broader definition, narrowing it to direct, undisclosed personal interests that interfere with official duties.
President Ruto objected, warning that the amendment could create loopholes for indirect corruption.
“The deletion weakens the law. It ignores how public officials use relatives or associates to indirectly benefit from decisions made in office,” Ruto said.
Despite this, the Senate’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee maintained its position.
“We recommend focusing on tangible and demonstrable conflicts to ensure clarity and effectiveness,” said committee chair Senator Hillary Sigei.
In the end, the Senate accepted some of the President’s proposed changes—particularly on clauses 30, 31, and 35—but rejected others, including those on key definitions and exclusions.
A Landmark in Public Ethics Reform
Now signed into law, the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025 is being hailed as a major win in the fight for ethical governance.
It consolidates fragmented legal provisions and sets clearer boundaries for public officers, marking a significant step in the Ruto administration’s anti-corruption and transparency agenda.
Still, debates over the law’s implementation—and whether it will truly deter indirect corruption through proxies—are likely to continue as enforcement begins.
