President William Ruto has sent the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2025 back to Parliament, refusing to sign it into law in its current form. In a decisive move aimed at strengthening Kenya’s anti-corruption framework, the President proposed sweeping amendments that would impose stricter ethical standards on public officials.
In his memorandum to Parliament, President Ruto emphasized the need for watertight safeguards that prevent conflicts of interest in public service. “Public office must be a space of integrity, and this law must reflect our collective resolve to eliminate corruption,” he stated.
The President’s key proposals include broader disclosure requirements for state officers, tougher penalties for non-compliance, and stricter prohibitions on business dealings with entities linked to officials or their close associates. He also seeks to close loopholes that allow public officials to influence procurement processes or make decisions that benefit their private interests.
If adopted, the proposed amendments would require all public officers to declare not only their financial interests but also those of close family members and business associates. Additionally, officials would be barred from participating in decisions where a perceived or real conflict of interest exists.
Ruto’s move is seen as part of a broader campaign to restore public trust in government and clamp down on corruption, which remains one of Kenya’s most persistent challenges. Civil society groups and anti-graft activists have praised the decision, saying it signals a more robust political will to fight corruption at the highest levels.
However, some critics in Parliament argue that the changes may overreach and create overly restrictive environments that could discourage qualified professionals from entering public service. Nonetheless, the Bill now returns to the National Assembly for review, where MPs will deliberate on the President’s recommendations.
As Kenyans await the revised version of the Bill, the spotlight is once again on Parliament’s commitment to accountability and good governance. President Ruto’s rejection of a watered-down law may mark a turning point in the fight against conflicts of interest in Kenya’s public sector.
