President William Ruto has officially signed the long-delayed Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023 into law, marking a potentially transformative moment in Kenya’s fight against corruption and public sector abuse. The legislation, once at the centre of stalled World Bank support, is now expected to play a key role in unlocking the much-needed $750 million budget financing withheld over concerns about weak governance safeguards.
The newly signed law prohibits public officials from engaging in business with government institutions, mandates regular declarations of assets and personal interests, and grants expanded powers to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). It also introduces stiffer penalties for violations—including dismissal from office and bans from future public service.
Earlier this year, President Ruto had returned the original draft to Parliament, criticizing it for diluting core accountability provisions. The revised version, now law, appears to have reinstated the tougher measures he demanded.
Beyond governance reforms, the law holds significant economic implications. It is seen as a crucial step toward restoring donor confidence, especially from the World Bank, whose delayed financing has tightened Kenya’s already constrained fiscal space heading into the 2025/26 financial year.
Still, questions linger about the law’s actual impact. Will enforcement match the promise on paper? Or will it fall victim to the same impunity it seeks to curb?
As Kenya waits for a response from the World Bank, citizens and watchdogs alike will be watching not just for results but for political will.
