President William Ruto has signed into law the Social Protection Bill, 2025, and the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s commitment to strengthening public service ethics and safeguarding vulnerable populations.
Sponsored by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, the two bills were signed at State House on Wednesday and are poised to transform Kenya’s legal and social landscapes. The new laws underscore the government’s push for greater accountability, transparency, and inclusivity.
The Social Protection Act, which replaces the Social Assistance Act, introduces a life-cycle approach to social welfare. It provides non-contributory benefits such as cash transfers, social care, and feeding programs for orphans, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those living in extreme poverty. A newly established National Board for Social Protection will oversee these services, while counties will implement policies and develop localized strategies.
A central digital registry will track vulnerable households and manage aid, particularly during emergencies. Eligibility includes Kenyan citizens and non-citizens in crisis situations. A Social Protection Fund will be created to support financing. The Bill was passed by the National Assembly in April 2025 and approved by the Senate without amendments in July.
Meanwhile, the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025 brings sweeping reforms to public service ethics, repealing the Public Officer Ethics Act. After a lengthy legislative journey involving mediation and presidential reservations, the final version was passed in June and July by the National Assembly and Senate, respectively.
The law empowers the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to enforce integrity standards outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution. It prohibits public officers from favoring entities they serve, accepting future job offers that may influence their duties, and holding conflicting secondary jobs. It also introduces mandatory biennial wealth declarations including for spouses and dependents covering senior officials like Cabinet members and Members of County Assemblies.
A 90-day deadline is set for conflict of interest investigations, while a clear complaints framework ensures transparency and public involvement.
These new laws reinforce Kenya’s resolve to protect vulnerable citizens and restore public confidence in governance.