The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has announced the commencement of the Conflict-of-Interest Act, 2025, which came into force on August 19, 2025, following presidential assent on July 30.
The new legislation replaces the Public Officer Ethics Act of 2003 and establishes a robust framework for managing conflicts of interest in public service. It mandates that all state and public officers declare their income, assets, and liabilities (DIALs).
According to the EACC, the law consolidates various provisions on conflict of interest that were previously scattered across different statutes, criminalizes violations, and imposes stricter penalties. Offenders may face fines of up to Ksh.4 million or imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. Additionally, a mandatory fine equal to twice the benefit gained or loss incurred will be imposed, while corporate entities found guilty could face fines of up to Ksh.10 million.
The Act establishes systematic procedures for managing conflicts of interest and DIALs, verifying declarations, and forfeiting undeclared or unexplained assets. It also prohibits public officers from engaging in trade with their employers or acquiring interests in entities that have contracts with, or benefit from, public institutions.
Public officers are now required to continuously disclose any situations that may present a real, perceived, or potential conflict between their private engagements and public responsibilities. They must file income, asset, and liability declarations every two years, within 30 days of entering public service, and within 30 days of exiting. Commissions responsible for oversight are mandated to verify their declarations.
The EACC hailed the enactment of the new law as a significant step in Kenya’s battle against corruption and unethical behavior, committing to enhance public awareness, build capacity, and support state institutions in implementing the new framework.
The Commission urged all public officers to familiarize themselves with the Act’s provisions and ensure full compliance.
