The Cabinet has approved the Power of Mercy Bill, 2025, a legislative proposal aimed at reforming Kenya’s clemency system by introducing structured guidelines for presidential pardons and supervised early release of rehabilitated inmates. The move seeks to reduce prison overcrowding, cut costs, and ensure safe reintegration into society.
In a bold step toward justice reform and cost-efficiency, the Cabinet has approved the Power of Mercy Bill, 2025, setting the stage for a more transparent and structured framework for presidential clemency in Kenya.
The Bill was endorsed during a Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday at State House, Nairobi, and chaired by President William Ruto. The reforms are part of a broader strategy to decongest prisons and shift Kenya’s penal system towards a rehabilitative model.
The Power of Mercy Bill, 2025 is designed to give effect to Article 133 of the Constitution, which grants the President powers to pardon or reduce sentences for convicted persons. Until now, the system has lacked clarity and structure, often criticised for its opacity and inconsistency.
According to the Cabinet, the Bill will modernise the clemency process by strengthening the role of the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee, which vets and advises the President on mercy petitions. It also repeals outdated provisions under Cap. 94 of the Laws of Kenya and introduces supervised early release protocols for inmates who demonstrate full rehabilitation.
“These reforms are expected to ease prison overcrowding and reduce the estimated annual cost of Sh87,600 per inmate,” a Cabinet statement read.
April 2025 Presidential Clemency
The proposed law follows President Ruto’s recent use of executive clemency. On April 28, 2025, the Head of State pardoned 57 individuals, including 31 serving life sentences who were granted conditional release. The clemency announcement was published in Kenya Gazette Vol. CXXVII–No. 101.
One of the released individuals was a foreign national from an East African Community (EAC) partner state, who was also repatriated after clemency was granted.
In addition, 25 inmates received remission and walked free after the remainder of their sentences was officially remitted.
President Ruto also extended general amnesty to petty offenders serving sentences of six months or less, as well as to inmates with only six months remaining on longer custodial terms.
Reintegration and Public Safety Measures
In addition to easing congestion and cutting costs, the Bill lays out reintegration protocols to ensure that released inmates are monitored and supported upon re-entry into society, improving public safety.
The government believes the proposed law will make Kenya’s justice system more humane and effective, aligning with global best practices on rehabilitation and restorative justice.
The Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament in the coming weeks for debate and passage.
