The Kenyan government has introduced a new bill aimed at preventing financial mismanagement during election transitions. The Assumption of the Office of President and Transition of Executive Authority Bill, 2025, tabled in Parliament, seeks to impose a 90-day moratorium on payments, hiring of staff, and contractual commitments ahead of a presidential election.
This move comes as President William Ruto’s administration pushes for stricter financial controls during transition periods. If enacted, the law will bar government officials, including Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) and Principal Secretaries (PSs), from making financial commitments exceeding Sh50 million without prior approval from the National Treasury. The bill also forbids international obligations binding the government during this period, with violations attracting fines of up to Sh10 million.
The proposed measures are meant to curb last-minute financial dealings that could burden an incoming administration. This comes in the wake of controversial payments made during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s final months in office, including a Sh6 billion Telkom Kenya buyback flagged by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu. The transaction, which involved the government reclaiming a 60% stake in Telkom, was processed despite Parliament not approving the expenditure. Similarly, a Sh4 billion budget for millers under the unga subsidy programme remains unapproved due to financial irregularities.
Beyond financial constraints, the bill also prohibits government officials from hiring new public servants during the election period. Additionally, CSs and PSs will need written approval from the Head of Public Service before traveling abroad, ensuring that key officials remain within the country during the crucial transition period.
The proposed law seeks to streamline government handover processes, requiring ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to submit detailed handover reports by July 15 of an election year. These reports must outline:
- Bank accounts and financial balances
- Policies and ongoing projects
- Human resource details, including disciplinary matters
- Pending bills, procurement details, and ongoing court cases
Such measures aim to eliminate gaps and ensure a smooth transfer of power. Allegations of sabotage marred Ruto’s 2022 takeover from Kenyatta, making this law an effort to avoid similar disruptions in future transitions.
As Parliament debates the bill, its success will depend on whether MPs approve the measures amid concerns over government transparency and fiscal discipline ahead of the 2027 elections.
