Ruto slams Parliament for delaying Conflict of Interest Bill aimed at curbing corruption

President William Ruto has condemned Parliament for obstructing the passage of the Conflict of Interest Bill, which he says is crucial in the fight against corruption.

Speaking during a national address in Parliament on Thursday, Ruto called for urgent action on the bill, urging members of both Houses to stop delaying its passage.

“It is also unacceptable for the Houses of Parliament to deny the nation a much-needed instrument in the war on corruption by continuing to sabotage the passage of the Conflict of Interest Bill,” Ruto said.

"I implore you, Honourable members, to stop dragging your feet on this bill, unless, my friends, there is a conflict of interest in the passing of this legislation."

Ruto emphasised his determination to tackle corruption head-on, saying among the many challenges he has faced, combating corruption remains a top priority.

He called on independent institutions responsible for fighting corruption to raise their standards and meet the expectations of the Kenyan people.

“Of the many difficult assignments I have undertaken, this fight against corruption is one I now take on with resolve going forward. Let this serve as notice to all. Independent institutions charged with this responsibility must up their game, pull up their socks and match up to the expectations of the people of Kenya."

The Conflict of Interest Bill 2023 aims to provide a framework for managing and regulating conflicts of interest within the public sector.

The bill seeks to maintain public trust in government institutions by reducing the risk of corruption, bias, and favouritism. It also aims to improve public engagement and cooperation, ultimately strengthening citizen support for government initiatives.

The bill is designed to be administered by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which would oversee compliance with the regulations and ensure that no public officers are involved in conflicts of interest.

However, its journey through Parliament has not been without controversy.

In May 2024, the Senate attempted to amend the bill, showing strong solidarity in voting to dilute its provisions. The bill seeks to reverse some provisions made by the Ndegwa Commission of 1970, which allowed public officers to engage in private business dealings while still employed in the public sector.

Critics argue that the adoption of these provisions led to an increase in corruption, enabling public sector officials to amass wealth through dealings with the government, while public services declined.

Ruto’s administration sees the passage of the bill as a critical step in eliminating conflicts of interest, which have long been seen as a major contributor to corruption in Kenya's public sector.

The bill is currently in the National Assembly, where there is concern that MPs may follow the Senate’s lead and amend it further.

"This is not to say that the Conflict of Interest Bill 2023 had no need absolutely for any amendment to be done," Ruto said while defending it.

"A few clauses needed clarity, there were instances that the Bill presented numerical typos and of course, there were several instances where legal minds thought was an intrusion into public officers' lives."

The Public Officer Ethics Act of 2003 is also set for repeal under the bill, with transitional provisions designed to facilitate a smooth shift from the old legal framework to the new one.

All eyes are now on the National Assembly to pass the bill in its original form. If the bill is further watered down, Ruto warned, it could be another missed opportunity in the fight to curb corruption.