NAIROBI, Kenya – The Senate has extended by 45 days the deadline for reviewing the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2025, after President William Ruto sent it back to Parliament citing weak provisions that could undermine his administration’s anti-corruption agenda.
The extension, announced by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi on Tuesday, comes after the expiry of the initial 14-day window granted to the Senate Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee to examine the President’s reservations.
“The President had reservations and referred the Bill back to Parliament on April 30, pursuant to Article 115(1)(b) of the Constitution,” Kingi said, adding that the Committee’s time lapsed on May 20. “The Senate has resolved to extend the period of consideration by 45 days, to allow for thorough scrutiny of the President’s memorandum.”
The new deadline gives the Committee until July 8 to review the Bill and submit its report.
Originally passed by Parliament on April 8, the Conflict of Interest Bill is a cornerstone of President Ruto’s push to entrench integrity and transparency in public service.
Speaking during the swearing-in of new cabinet and principal secretaries at State House on April 17, the President disclosed that he had rejected the Bill in its current form, arguing that it lacked the legal muscle to combat entrenched corruption.
“We need a law that decisively eliminates conflicts of interest in public service,” Ruto said. “Too many public officials are serving themselves rather than the citizens. I will not assent to any version of this Bill that doesn’t uphold the highest standards of accountability.”
The President’s firm stance has sparked criticism from some quarters of Parliament, with accusations that lawmakers are stalling reforms.
In a previous State of the Nation address, Ruto lashed out at MPs, warning them against “sabotaging” the Bill.
“I urge Parliament to stop dragging its feet,” he said. “If the Bill does not raise the bar on transparency and integrity, I will veto it—again.”
The Bill seeks to bar public officials from using their positions for personal or financial gain.
It proposes hefty penalties for offenders and aims to draw a clear legal boundary between public responsibilities and private interests.
However, transparency watchdogs such as Transparency International have raised concerns over amendments introduced in the Senate, claiming they dilute the Bill’s original intent.
