Cabinet approves Power of Mercy Bill, 2025 to reform presidential pardons, clemency
In a bid to reform the justice system and reduce the cost burden on correctional services, the Cabinet has backed the Power of Mercy Bill, 2025, introducing structured guidelines for presidential pardons and early release of rehabilitated inmates.
Prisoners will now benefit from a more transparent and accountable clemency process, with reintegration protocols to enhance public safety.
The initiative was endorsed during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday.
The proposed legislation seeks to clarify the implementation of Article 133 of the Constitution by modernising the presidential pardon system through the establishment of a structured framework for the exercise of mercy powers.
The Bill also introduces mechanisms for supervised early release of inmates who have shown full rehabilitation. According to the Cabinet, the reforms are designed not only to support the justice system's efficiency but also to reduce the financial burden on the state.
“These reforms are expected to ease prison overcrowding and reduce the estimated annual cost of Sh87,600 per inmate,” the Cabinet said.
In addition to its cost-saving potential, the Power of Mercy Bill, 2025, enhances public safety by outlining reintegration protocols for released individuals and repealing outdated provisions under the Cap. 94 of the laws of Kenya. It further strengthens the mandate of the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee, which is responsible for vetting and advising the President on mercy petitions.
On April 28, 2025, President Ruto exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy by granting clemency to 56 Kenyan citizens and one foreign national. The announcement was published in the Kenya Gazette Vol. CXXVII–No. 101.
Among those pardoned, 31 individuals serving life sentences were granted conditional release, following assessments of their rehabilitation progress. One foreign national, a citizen of an East African Community (EAC) partner state who was also serving a life sentence, received both conditional release and repatriation.
In addition, 25 inmates were granted remission and release, allowing them to walk free after the unexpired portion of their custodial sentences was officially remitted.
The presidential clemency move, which comes amid wider efforts to reform Kenya’s correctional system, aligns with the government’s objective of decongesting prisons while supporting the reintegration of rehabilitated offenders into society.
President Ruto also extended general amnesty to all petty offenders sentenced to six months or less, and to inmates serving longer terms whose remaining time is now six months or less.
The Cabinet maintained that the Bill, alongside the presidential clemency decisions, represents a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to advance a more rehabilitative and cost-effective justice system.
Prisoners will now benefit from a more transparent and accountable clemency process, with reintegration protocols to enhance public safety.
The initiative was endorsed during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday.
The proposed legislation seeks to clarify the implementation of Article 133 of the Constitution by modernising the presidential pardon system through the establishment of a structured framework for the exercise of mercy powers.
The Bill also introduces mechanisms for supervised early release of inmates who have shown full rehabilitation. According to the Cabinet, the reforms are designed not only to support the justice system's efficiency but also to reduce the financial burden on the state.
“These reforms are expected to ease prison overcrowding and reduce the estimated annual cost of Sh87,600 per inmate,” the Cabinet said.
In addition to its cost-saving potential, the Power of Mercy Bill, 2025, enhances public safety by outlining reintegration protocols for released individuals and repealing outdated provisions under the Cap. 94 of the laws of Kenya. It further strengthens the mandate of the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee, which is responsible for vetting and advising the President on mercy petitions.
On April 28, 2025, President Ruto exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy by granting clemency to 56 Kenyan citizens and one foreign national. The announcement was published in the Kenya Gazette Vol. CXXVII–No. 101.
Among those pardoned, 31 individuals serving life sentences were granted conditional release, following assessments of their rehabilitation progress. One foreign national, a citizen of an East African Community (EAC) partner state who was also serving a life sentence, received both conditional release and repatriation.
In addition, 25 inmates were granted remission and release, allowing them to walk free after the unexpired portion of their custodial sentences was officially remitted.
The presidential clemency move, which comes amid wider efforts to reform Kenya’s correctional system, aligns with the government’s objective of decongesting prisons while supporting the reintegration of rehabilitated offenders into society.
President Ruto also extended general amnesty to all petty offenders sentenced to six months or less, and to inmates serving longer terms whose remaining time is now six months or less.
The Cabinet maintained that the Bill, alongside the presidential clemency decisions, represents a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to advance a more rehabilitative and cost-effective justice system.
prisoners rights
Power of Mercy
presidential power of mercy
Power of Mercy Advisory Committee
kenya inmates
Let’s Connect
We’re here to listen, support, and engage with you.
Whether it’s feedback, a request, or collaboration — Hon. Yusuf Hassan’s team welcomes your message.
Office Address
Kamukunji Constituency Office, Nairobi
Call
+254 737 500200, +254 716 667733
“Leadership is not about position — it’s about purpose, people, and progress.”