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| President William Ruto |
President William Ruto on Wednesday, July 30, signed into law the Social Protection Bill 2025 and the Conflict of Interest Bill 2023, introducing new policies to expand support for vulnerable citizens and strengthen ethical standards in public service.
The Social Protection Bill 2025 sets up a national framework to provide monthly stipends and non-cash benefits to a wider range of Kenyans.
While previous programs focused on the elderly, orphans, and persons with severe disabilities, the new law includes individuals affected by poverty, disasters, job losses, pandemics, and other economic disruptions.
A National Board for Social Protection will be established to manage registration and oversee the distribution of benefits.
The registration process will now be digitised, allowing applicants to access services online instead of visiting government offices or Huduma Centres in person.
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| The Meru Huduma Centre |
The bill repeals the Social Assistance Act, consolidating and streamlining welfare programs to improve efficiency and coordination.
It also allows the Cabinet Secretary for Labour to create a Social Protection Fund under the Public Finance Management Act.
The fund will be supported by both national and county governments.
In addition to cash transfers, eligible individuals may receive non-cash benefits such as medical services, foster care support, psychological counselling and in-kind assistance.
The law requires county governments to contribute to the fund and take a more active role in delivering social services across all 47 counties.
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| The Kenya Parliament |
At the same time, the Conflict of Interest Bill 2023, also enacted on Wednesday, introduces new rules aimed at preventing unethical conduct among public officials.
The law expands the list of individuals required to declare their income, assets, and liabilities. Those affected include county assembly members, county officials, and senior judicial officers, such as the Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) will take on a central supervisory role in enforcing the law’s provisions, expanding its authority in tackling self-dealing and conflicts of interest in government.
Both laws take effect immediately following the president’s assent.
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