Deputy President Kithure Kindiki now says that the newly enacted Conflict of Interest law is a game changer in the country’s fight against corruption.
In a statement on Wednesday after President William Ruto assented to the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2025, he described the new law as a big blow to the vice.
He went on to say that the new law seals all gaps corrupt officials have over the years taken advantage of to steal from public funds.
The Deputy President added that it also makes it more difficult for such officials to use proxies.
“The coming into force of the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025 strikes a phenomenal blow for the fight against corruption. The new law not only closes the loopholes corrupt officials have been exploiting to steal money from public coffers, it also makes it much more difficult for them to use proxies to advance corruption,” Kindiki said.
He added that the country’s anti-graft body now has the much needed tools upscale the fight against corruption and abuse of power in the country.
“The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) now has the levers to advance the fight against graft, abuse of power and the manipulation of public trust for private gain.”
Kindiki’s remarks come after President William Ruto signed the Social Protection, 2025, and the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2025, into laws at the State House, Nairobi.
The Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, consolidates all laws related to conflict of interest, repealing the Public Officer Ethics Act and introducing sweeping reforms to curb unethical conduct in public service.
It places the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) at the centre of enforcing compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution, particularly regarding leadership and integrity.
The legislation bars public officers from granting preferential treatment in official duties, being influenced by offers of future employment, entering contracts with entities they serve, acquiring interests in such entities and holding secondary jobs that pose a conflict with official duties.
The law also introduces clear protocols for recusal, income and asset declarations, and complaint handling, all under the EACC’s supervision.
Significantly, the law enhances wealth declaration requirements. State and public officers will be required to file biennial declarations of their income, assets, and liabilities, including those of their spouses and dependents.
The scope now covers senior officials such as the Chief Justice, Cabinet members, and Members of County Assemblies, who were previously excluded under the repealed Public Officer Ethics Act.
The law also introduces a 90-day deadline for conflict of interest investigations, prohibits concurrent probes by different authorities, and provides a clear structure for citizens to lodge complaints.
