The National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation has approved regulations to establish a KES 2 billion independent fund aimed at radically strengthening the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

DPP Renson Ingonga and National Treasury CS John Mbadi successfully defended the Public Finance Management (Public Prosecutions Fund) Regulations, 2025, charting a new era for justice delivery.

The creation of this dedicated fund marks a pivotal turning point in Kenya's fight against high-level corruption and complex criminal networks, granting prosecutors the financial independence required to trace and recover stolen state assets effectively.

Empowering Justice Delivery

For years, the ODPP has operated under severe financial constraints, relying entirely on the National Treasury for day-to-day operations and complex transnational investigations. This dependency heavily hampered efforts in asset recovery and anti-corruption drives. The newly approved Public Prosecutions Fund aims to decouple the prosecution service from budgetary unpredictability, providing an initial seed capital of KES 2 billion appropriated by the National Assembly for the 2026/2027 financial year.

The fund's mandate is expansive. It will finance multi-agency approaches in investigations, support restorative justice processes for victims, and facilitate mutual legal assistance in international criminal matters. Crucially, the fund will provide the technical and financial aid necessary to engage Kenyan and international experts in navigating intricate technological and economic crimes.

• Seed capital of KES 2 billion slated for the 2026/2027 national budget.
• Fund will receive proceeds from preservation orders, plea agreements, and donations.
• A dedicated board will meet quarterly to oversee the administration and investment of surplus funds.

A Shield Against Emerging Crime Trends

Appearing before the committee chaired by Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga, CS Mbadi emphasized that the justice system is battling unprecedented complexities. The evolution of cybercrime, the integration of advanced ICT in criminal syndicates, and new constitutional imperatives necessitate a highly agile and well-funded prosecution arm.

The approved regulations mandate strict accountability, requiring regular audits and public reporting to ensure the funds are utilized exclusively for justice delivery. By capturing proceeds from criminal asset recovery, the ODPP effectively creates a self-sustaining financial loop where crime directly pays for its own prosecution. The committee will now present its comprehensive report to the National Assembly for final endorsement.

"The Public Prosecution Fund will be a cornerstone in transforming our justice system, reflecting our government's unyielding commitment to the rule of law and the fight against impunity."