President Ruto Signs Landmark Legislation to Enhance Anti-Corruption and Protection of Vulnerable Citizens
the bill enhances accountability within the government while guaranteeing support is provided fairly and only to individuals who genuinely need it.
President William Ruto signed into law two historic pieces of legislation—the Conflict of Interest Act and the Social Protection Act Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
President William Ruto signed into law two historic pieces of legislation—the Conflict of Interest Act and the Social Protection Act—intended to contain corruption, strengthen accountability, and offer an organized protection net for Kenya’s most vulnerable groups.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi during the signing ceremony, President Ruto said that the enactment of the Conflict of Interest Act is a milestone towards the elimination of the misuse of office and protection of public resources by ensuring they are operated responsibly.
This is a historic moment for Kenya,” President Ruto stated. “We are making it much harder for anyone to misuse public office. The bill sets unambiguous standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability for all public officers.”.
The new legislation consolidates existing provisions on conflict of interest into a single framework to replace the Public Officer Ethics Act. It prohibits public officers from giving preferential treatment, engaging in activities that compromise their functions, or assuming outside employment that gives rise to conflicts of interest.
Additionally, the legislation also bestows further powers on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to oversee compliance and audit statements of wealth by all government servants in the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.
“To the EACC, this law empowers you with the instruments you need to protect public resources and hold every official accountable,” Ruto announced.
Initially tabled in Parliament with proposals in April 2025, the Bill was passed in its revised form by the National Assembly and Senate on June 3 and July 23, respectively.
The President also assented to the Social Protection Act, which provides one, rights-based system for ensuring non-contributory care for Kenya’s vulnerable citizens, alongside anti-graft reforms.
For President Ruto, the bill enhances accountability within the government while guaranteeing support is provided fairly and only to individuals who genuinely need it. The bill also addresses fundamental needs such as healthcare, social dignity, and equity, all coordinated by national and county governments.
Cheers to the social protection minister,” the President announced. “You now have a firm legal framework to fulfill the critical mandate of your ministry.”
Among those who attended the signing ceremony were National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor, and Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua.
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