Ruto signs Social Protection and Conflict of interest Bills into law

President William Ruto on Wednesday signed the Social Protection, 2025, and the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2025, into laws at the State House.

The assent of the bills into laws usher in a new era of accountability and transparency in public service, strengthening the country’s legal framework in the fight against corruption and ethical breaches.

The signing also promises more equitable, efficient and dignified support for millions of Kenyans facing economic or social hardship.

The Bills were sponsored by the Leader of Majority Party Kimani Ichung'wah.

The Social Protection Bill was considered and passed by the National Assembly on April 30, 2025 and was subsequently passed by the Senate without amendments on July 23, 2025.

The new law has now replaced the Social Assistance Act and established a National Board for Social Protection to coordinate non-contributory benefits such as cash transfers, social care and feeding programs.

It adopts a life-cycle approach, supporting individuals through various stages of vulnerability such as orphans, the elderly, persons with disabilities and those in extreme poverty.

County governments will play a role in implementing national policies and developing local social protection strategies.

A central digital registry will manage applications, monitor services and track vulnerable households, especially during shocks or emergencies.

Eligibility is extended to Kenyan citizens and non-citizens in emergency situations, with clear appeal mechanisms provided. A Social Protection Fund will be created to finance the programs.

On the other hand, the Conflict of Interest law, 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.

The Bill’s passage follows a complex legislative journey involving multiple rounds of consideration and mediation between the National Assembly and the Senate.

Initially passed by the National Assembly in November 2023, the Bill underwent amendments in the Senate before being referred to a mediation committee.

A final mediated version was approved by both Houses, by the National Assembly in December 2024, and by the Senate in April 2025.

Following a presidential referral with reservations, both Houses reconsidered and passed the Bill with amendments accommodating the President’s concerns, culminating in final passage in June (National Assembly) and July 2025 (Senate).

The CoI now 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.