Senate Amendments Dilute Conflict of Interest Bill
In a significant legislative move, the Senate has diluted the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023, granting public officers—such as MPs, governors, ministers, principal secretaries, and parastatal chiefs—greater leeway to pursue government contracts. Originally aimed at curbing corruption in public procurement, the bill faced radical amendments that stripped it of key provisions intended to prevent government officials from influencing tenders in favor of their own interests or those of their associates.
Removing Crucial Safeguards
The amendments, orchestrated by Senators including Hillary Sigei and Ledama Olekina, removed crucial clauses. These clauses included prohibitions on public officers seeking tenders from public entities and requirements for regular declarations of wealth, including assets held by spouses and children. Such measures were designed to curb illicit accumulation of wealth through government contracts, a practice that has led to numerous corruption cases involving high-profile officials.
Weakening Transparency and Accountability
The initial version of the Bill, approved by President Ruto’s Cabinet, aimed to introduce stringent measures to ensure public servants prioritize public duty over personal gain. However, the Senate’s amendments, supported by a coalition of senators aligned with the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition, significantly weakened these provisions, sparking criticism from anti-corruption advocates and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
Concerns and Reactions
Among the changes introduced was the deletion of clauses that barred public officers from being beneficiaries of contracts with reporting entities, effectively opening avenues for conflicts of interest. Furthermore, the Senate removed requirements for public officers to disclose their financial interests and assets, both during and after their tenure, which were crucial for transparency and accountability.
Call for Reconsideration
The controversial amendments have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Bill in combatting corruption and promoting ethical governance. The EACC has expressed dismay over the Senate’s alterations, urging the National Assembly to reconsider the Bill to safeguard anti-corruption efforts in Kenya.
