Parliament backs report on President’s reservations to Conflict of Interest Bill

Nairobi | June 3, 2025

Parliament has approved a critical report by the Committee of the Whole House, affirming its position on the President’s reservations to the Conflict of Interest Bill, National Assembly Bill No. 12 of 2023.

During Tuesday’s afternoon sitting, the House (National Assembly) resolved to support the Committee’s findings, bringing to a close weeks of debate surrounding the future of one of Kenya’s most consequential integrity laws.

The Bill had been returned to Parliament by President William Ruto in late 2024 with reservations aimed at refining several clauses. The Executive had raised concerns over certain provisions that were deemed ambiguous or potentially unenforceable--especially those affecting independent constitutional offices.

“The Ayes have it. The House has agreed with the report of the Committee on the President’s Reservations to the Conflict of Interest Bill,” declared Speaker Moses Wetang’ula during the session.

According to insiders familiar with the deliberations, the House opted to strike a balance between upholding the spirit of the original Bill and accommodating select presidential recommendations.

The Committee is reported to have retained core ethics provisions while modifying controversial clauses on penalties and asset disclosures.

The Conflict of Interest Bill seeks to curb unethical conduct among public officials by requiring transparent separation of private interests from public duties. If signed into law, it will impose clear guidelines on decision-making, asset declarations, and sanctions for violations--marking a key milestone in Kenya’s anti-corruption reforms.

With Parliament now having made its decision, the Bill will be resubmitted to the President for assent, unless any of the reservations were rejected by a two-thirds majority--in which case the original provisions prevail as per Article 115 of the Constitution.