Nairobi, July 30- President William Ruto on Wednesday signed into law two significant legislative proposals, the Conflict of Interest Bill 2023 and the Social Protection Bill 2025—marking a major step forward in enhancing transparency in government and widening the safety net for disadvantaged Kenyans.
The Social Protection Bill 2025, signed during a brief ceremony at State House, Nairobi, introduces a broader framework to provide monthly financial support to more vulnerable groups. Unlike previous programs that primarily focused on the elderly, orphans, and people with severe disabilities, the new law extends coverage to those affected by extreme poverty, natural disasters, unemployment, pandemics, and other economic hardships.
A key feature of the law is the creation of a National Board for Social Protection, which will oversee registration and benefit distribution. The process will now be fully digitised, eliminating the need for in-person applications at Huduma Centres and government offices.
The legislation repeals the Social Assistance Act and aims to enhance coordination and service delivery for timely and needs-based support. Its core goal is to safeguard the welfare of vulnerable individuals, uphold their dignity, and improve their quality of life.
The Act also authorises the Cabinet Secretary for Labour to set up a Social Protection Fund under the Public Finance Management Act. This fund will consolidate financial resources for national assistance programs, drawing contributions from both national and county governments.
In addition to cash transfers, the law introduces non-monetary benefits such as in-kind support, foster care assistance, mental health counselling, and access to medical services—ushering in a more comprehensive approach to social welfare.
County governments will now be legally mandated to contribute to the fund and take on a more active role in providing social services, helping to decentralise welfare efforts across all 47 counties.
