Aasai

MINISTERS, the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice and other officers of the Judiciary as well as the Ward Representatives (MCAs) will now be required to declare their assets as part of President William Ruto’s renewed efforts to fight corruption.

The move follows the signing of the Conflict of Interest Bill 2025 into law by the President at State House yesterday, after more than two years of wrangling between Parliament and the Office of the President. The new law prohibits favouritism and external influence in contracts relating to the duties of a public officer. 

Furthermore, the law recognises the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) as the government office responsible for dealing with all matters relating to conflict of interest, by Article 79 of the Constitution. The article requires the EACC to ensure the implementation of the provisions of Chapter Six of the Constitution on governance and integrity, including the avoidance of conflict of interest.

Regarding asset declaration, the new law expands the scope of public and government officials who are required to declare their assets, who were previously not included in the Public Officials Conduct Act, which has now been repealed.Those now included include Ward Representatives and officials of the Judiciary, including the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice and others. 

Government and public officials will be required to submit asset declarations every two years to the institution overseeing the process, under the supervision of the EACC. The declaration will include their income, assets and liabilities, as well as those of their spouses and dependent children. 

In terms of conflict of interest, the new law prohibits a public official from favoring any person contrary to law or written policy, or being influenced by promises of outside employment in the exercise of official authority or duties. Similarly, the law prohibits a public official from entering into contracts to supply goods or services with or exerting influence over the institution for which they work.

The law also prohibits a public officer from owning shares in any company or legal entity that has a contract with the institution he serves. In addition, the law prohibits any other commercial employment that conflicts with the duties of a public officer or that influences his professional judgment, thereby causing a conflict of interest. 

Speaking during the signing ceremony of the bill into law, President Ruto said the law will end the abuse of power and ensure that public resources are used for their intended purposes. The President said the new law sets out clear rules to ensure that public officials serve with integrity, transparency and accountability. 

He said the law also provides Kenyans with an opportunity to hold public officials accountable when they misuse their power. “This is a very important event for Kenya. We have closed the loopholes for people to use their positions for personal gain,” said President Ruto. “With EACC, you now have the tools to protect the resources of the Republic of Kenya and hold every public officer accountable,” he added. 

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the implementation of the law is a major blow to corruption. He said the new law closes loopholes that corrupt officials were using to steal public funds and prevents them from using agents to facilitate corruption. 

“EACC now has broad powers to combat corruption, abuse of power, and betrayal of public trust for personal gain,” said Professor Kindiki.