Public invited to comment on Whistleblower Protection Bill 2024

The Office of the Attorney-General (AOG) has called on the public to submit their views on the Whistleblower Protection Bill, 2024.

The Bill aims to establish a framework for reporting misconduct in both the public and private sectors while safeguarding those who expose such wrongdoings from retaliation.

Stakeholders and the general public have been encouraged to review the draft Bill, available on the State Law Office website at https://www.statelaw.go.ke/publications/, and submit their comments, proposals, and recommendations by August 31, 2024.

“The Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice notifies stakeholders and members of the public that it has developed the Whistleblower Protection Bill 2024. The purpose of the Bill is to provide for the procedure for the disclosure of information relating to improper conduct in the public and private sectors and to provide for the protection of persons who make such disclosures against victimisation,” read the invitation.

According to the invitation, submissions can be made via email to [email protected], or by mail to: The Solicitor General, Office of the Attorney-General and Department of Justice, P.O. Box 40112-00100, Nairobi.

Alternatively, documents can be delivered in person to The Secretary, Justice and Constitutional Affairs, The Office of the Attorney-General and Department of Justice, Co-operative Bank House, Haile Selassie Avenue, 10th Floor Room 1012, Nairobi.

Parliament of Kenya. (Photo: Handout)

“In accordance with Article 10(2) of the Constitution, stakeholders and members of the public are hereby invited to submit their comments, proposals, and recommendations through written memoranda on the draft Bill,” read the invitation.

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission chairman David Oginde and CEO Twalib Mbarak had urged Members of Parliament to pass the Bill in order to boost the fight against wanton theft of public resources.

Speaking during the commemoration of Africa's anti-corruption day at the Radisson Blu in Nairobi on July 11, 2024, Mbarak noted that the absence of the law has deterred public officers from revealing graft in government.

“The commission calls upon the National Assembly to prioritise enactment of the Whistleblowers Protection Bill. This will encourage more Kenyans with information on corruption and unethical conduct to report without fear of adverse consequences,” Mbarak said.

Oginde raised concerns about whistleblowing in the country, noting that it has been affected by a trust deficit in public institutions.

He said some heads of ministries, departments, and agencies in government attempt to obstruct or frustrate the practice.

“The truth is that for Kenya to overcome the challenge of corruption, all state and non-state actors must play their roles in weeding out corruption and putting in place mechanisms for whistleblower protection to enhance good governance,” Oginde said.