Latest news with #ConflictofInterestBill
Business Insider
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
A year after a violent protest, Ruto signs something called the 'Conflict of Interest Bill'
President William Ruto has signed the long-awaited 'Conflict of Interest Bill' into law, which aims to improve accountability in Kenya's public sector. President William Ruto of Kenya signed the Conflict of Interest Bill into law, aiming to enhance public sector accountability. This law has garnered approval from both the National Assembly and the Senate, unlocking KSh 96 billion in delayed World Bank funds. Enforced under Kenya's Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, this measure strengthens institutional trust. The law, which was just approved by both the National Assembly and the Senate, is projected to free more than KSh 96 billion in World Bank funds that have been delayed since April 2025. "The enactment of a law on conflict of interest is a bold step in the war against corruption. It sets clear rules that ensure public officers serve with integrity, transparency, and accountability,' the Kenyan president stated. "By anchoring enforcement of the law under the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, we are strengthening institutions and restoring trust in public service," he added. The new bill creates a legislative framework for managing and preventing conflicts of interest among public officials in the course of their duties, as seen on Tuko. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) will monitor its implementation to ensure that public workers behave in the national interest rather than for personal benefit. Youth-led protests continue, casting shadows of discontent While the measure may benefit the government's finances, it comes amid significant popular unrest, particularly among the youth. Last year, Kenya was rocked by one of the most severe protests in recent history, prompted mostly by a contentious tax bill proposed by the Ruto administration. That tax plan, which many regarded as unnecessary, sparked widespread protests led by Gen Z and young Kenyans. The demonstrations, which lasted for weeks, became disruptive and, at times, violent. The protests were mostly decentralized and social media-fueled, with cries of "Ruto Must Go" heard in major cities including Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. The protests were so pronounced that their sentiments still linger a year later, with young Kenyans commemorating the protests in June 2025, with another protest, which still called for the resignation of William Ruto. For now, reactions to the Conflict of Interest bill remain subtle, as Kenyans, particularly the youth, have not voiced strong enough opposition to the bill to the point of holding demonstrations.
Business Insider
06-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Kenya may miss out on Sh96.9bn World Bank loan over key anti-corruption law
Kenya risks losing access to a Sh96.9 billion loan from the World Bank after President William Ruto declined to assent to a key anti-corruption law, citing concerns over its dilution by Parliament. Kenya risks losing a Sh96.9 billion World Bank loan due to presidential refusal of the anti-corruption law. The Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023 aimed to strengthen ethical measures in public service. Delays surrounding the bill postponed funding, creating a significant budget gap. Kenya's delay in passing the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023 has not only postponed the release of the World Bank loan but also created a significant funding gap for the National Treasury, just weeks before the end of the financial year. According to Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, if Parliament succeeds in revising and passing the bill in a form acceptable to both the government and the lender, the earliest the funds could be released would be July. 'The WB funding seems to be going to July because some of the legislations (Conflict of Interest Bill) that were precedent to the release of these funds were delayed,' 'The Conflict of Interest Bill was a key Bill for the WB to give us the funding, and when it was unlocked, there was no time to take it to the WB board for approval. We are going to June 30 with a Sh97 billion hole that, as the CS, I did not prepare for. ' Mbadi said. As of today, Kenya faces a Sh97 billion shortfall in its 2024/25 budget, a gap the World Bank loan was intended to help close. Kenya's conflict of interest bill The Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023 aims to strengthen ethical conduct in Kenya's public service by curbing self-dealing, contract manipulation, and unregulated business interests among officials. President William Ruto declined to sign the bill after MPs weakened 12 critical clauses, arguing that the amendments undermined its ability to combat corruption. While the bill addressed conflict of interest, Ruto called for stronger provisions on transparency and enforcement to align with constitutional values. 'It is unacceptable for the Houses of Parliament to deny the country a much-needed instrument in the war on corruption by continuing to sabotage the passage of the Conflict-of-Interest Bill... unless, my friends, there is a conflict of interest in the passing of the conflict-of-interest legislation, ' he said in a State of the Nation address last year. Supporters see his move as a stand for reform, but critics warn the delay could worsen fiscal challenges. As of June 5, the National Assembly passed amendments addressing Ruto's concerns, clearing the way for the bill to move to the Senate.
