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Nazaha combating corruption through legislative reform
Nazaha combating corruption through legislative reform
By Dhari Buyabes
Combating corruption - a hidden and complex crime - requires strong institutions. Since the adoption of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), countries have been keen to establish specialized anti-corruption authorities per article 6 of the UNCAC. Kuwait responded to this international obligation by issuing Law No. 2 of 2016 on the establishment of the Kuwait Anti-Corruption Authority and the Special Provisions on Financial Disclosure. This authority, also known as Nazaha, is mandated to monitor the wealth of state officials through financial disclosures, investigate corruption crimes, protect whistleblowers and promote a culture of integrity within society.
However, corruption continues to evolve through increasingly complex mechanisms, requiring anti-corruption authorities to remain one step ahead. In response to practical challenges observed during the law's implementation, decree-law no. 69 of 2025 was issued on May 25, 2025 to amend several provisions of Nazaha's establishment-law. This reform reflects Kuwait's commitment to meeting international standards and enhancing the effectiveness of its anti-corruption framework.
The decree introduced several reforms to the financial disclosure system. It broadened the categories of public officials subject to disclosure requirements. In addition to high-level executive, judicial and administrative positions, the amended law now encompasses chairpersons, board members and executive directors of charitable and civil societies.
It also covers members of the legal administration in the Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS), the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), the Insurance Regulatory Unit (IRU) and the Competition Protection Authority (CPA). Furthermore, the decree extended the scope to include directors, inspectors, technical staff, legal affairs personnel and individuals vested with judicial enforcement authority within the General Administration of Customs.
Notably, the amended law introduces a settlement mechanism for cases of failure to submit financial disclosure forms within the legally prescribed timeframes. Individuals who submit their overdue forms within a 90-day grace period may resolve the matter with Nazaha by paying an amount of KD 100 as settlement. The reform further authorizes the submission of financial disclosure forms and supporting documents electronically, using certified digital signatures. It also allows for notifications related to Nazaha to be served electronically.
Another key development is the strengthening of Nazaha's investigative role. Nazaha is now empowered to appeal decisions by investigative authorities to archive corruption reports filed by Nazaha. In addition, Nazaha's board may, by majority vote, dismiss filed corruption reports that fail to meet submission criteria. These changes enhance Nazaha's role in determining the seriousness of cases and ensuring proper follow-up.
The revised law further empowers the president of Nazaha to designate employees authorized to detect, investigate and document corruption offenses. These individuals are permitted to conduct preliminary inquiries, collect testimonies, gather evidence and prepare formal reports for submission to competent investigative bodies. This further supports Nazaha with the operational capacity needed to address corruption more effectively.
In conclusion, the 2025 amendments to Nazaha's establishment-law represent an important step to combat corruption. By broadening oversight, digitizing procedures and enhancing investigative powers, Kuwait affirms its dedication to promoting transparency, accountability and integrity in alignment with international standards.
NOTE: Dhari Buyabes is the Head of International Organizations and Conferences in the International Cooperation Department at Nazaha
