Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has praised the newly signed Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, calling it a groundbreaking tool in the country’s ongoing war against corruption.
This law, officially signed by President William Ruto on Wednesday, July 30, introduces tough new measures aimed at increasing transparency and ensuring integrity among public officials.
Kindiki described the law as a game changer, stating that it marks a major shift in Kenya’s long-term efforts to fight corruption and unethical conduct in public service.
According to him, the Act is carefully designed to close the loopholes that dishonest officials have for years used to exploit government systems for personal gain.
The Deputy President explained that the new law strengthens the country’s anti-corruption framework by pulling together all related rules and giving the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) more authority and tools to do its job effectively.
“The new legislation not only seals the gaps that corrupt individuals have been using to steal from public funds, but it also blocks them from using family members, friends, or business associates as cover for their illegal deals,” Kindiki said.
He stressed that the EACC now has powerful tools to deal with corruption, misuse of public office, and the abuse of public trust for selfish interests.
This new Act also replaces the old Public Officer Ethics Act with a more forceful and detailed legal structure. It introduces stronger regulations, stiffer penalties, and better systems for tracking wrongdoing. Kindiki noted that it gives the EACC broader powers to investigate and take action against corrupt officials without interference.
President Ruto, while speaking at the signing ceremony held at State House in Nairobi, emphasized that the law is a major milestone in the government’s reform agenda.
“This is a turning point for Kenya. It sends a strong message that abusing public office will no longer be easy or without consequences,” Ruto declared. He added that the law will make it harder for anyone to misuse their official position for personal benefit.
One of the key highlights of the law is the requirement for all public officials to declare their income, properties, debts, and those of their spouses and dependents every two years. Unlike before, these declarations will now include individuals who were previously not covered by such rules.
The law combines all conflict of interest policies into one complete framework and places strict limits on public officers.
They are now banned from showing favoritism while carrying out their duties, doing business with organizations where they have a personal stake, or holding outside jobs that clash with their official responsibilities.
It also stops them from accepting job offers that may influence their future decisions while still in office.
In addition, the Act gives the EACC full control over how conflict of interest cases are handled—from managing recusals and declarations to investigating complaints.
It also gives the commission the power to seize assets that are not declared or cannot be explained, helping ensure that public wealth is not secretly stolen or hidden.
Overall, the new law is expected to set higher standards of ethical conduct in government and push Kenya closer to a more transparent and accountable public service.
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