William Ruto Signs Conflict of Interest Bill, Unlocks over KSh 96b World Bank Funding
- In April 2025, the World Bank delayed the disbursement of over KSh 96 billion to the National Treasury
- The Bretton Woods institution set a condition requiring Kenya to ensure the management of conflicts of interest in discharging public duties
- President William Ruto has now assented to the Conflict of Interest Bill, seeking to enhance accountability in government
- The new law is expected to unlock the funding, which was meant for the financial year 2024/25, but was delayed
Wycliffe Musalia has over six years of experience in financial, business, technology, climate, and health reporting, providing deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends. He currently works as a business editor at TUKO.co.ke.
President William Ruto has signed the Conflict of Interest Bill into law after the approval of the National Assembly and the Senate.
Source: UGC
The bill sought to establish a framework that manages conflicts of interest in discharging public duties under the general supervision of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
Why Ruto signed the Conflict of Interest Bill
Speaking during the signing of the bill at State House in Nairobi on Wednesday, July 30, Ruto said the law is a key step in the fight against graft.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
Ruto affirmed his administration's commitment to rooting out corruption and enhancing public trust.
"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.
"By anchoring enforcement of the law under the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, we are strengthening institutions and restoring trust in public service," said Ruto.
The conflict of interest law is one of the key conditions in the World Bank's funds disbursement.
How much does Kenya expect from World Bank?
The signing of the bill into law unlocked more than KSh 96 billion in funding from the Bretton Woods institution.
The World Bank had delayed the disbursement for the financial year 2024/25.
Source: Facebook
In April 2025, Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) John Mbadi urged members of Parliament (MPs) to pass the bill and unlock the funding before June 2025.
However, the Treasury missed the funding after President Ruto referred the bill back to Parliament.
Why Ruto referred bill back to Parliament
The head of state noted that the bill required further improvements to strengthen its provisions on transparency and enforcement to align with the constitutional values of integrity and good governance.
He explained that the first bill presented for assent in April 2025 did not meet the threshold of the expectations of the people of Kenya.
Ruto added that his administration will veto any bill that fails to meet the required standards.
World Bank warns Kenya over high debt risk
Meanwhile, the international lender reported a heightened debt distress risk that Kenya faces, attributing it to increased domestic borrowing.
Through the Kenya Economic Update and the Public Finance Review Reports, the World Bank highlighted reforms that the government should take for debt management.
Country Director for Kenya, Qimiao Fan, recommended the formulation of structural reforms for the competitiveness of the economy.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
