Amendments restore Nazaha’s independence, strengthen oversight powers

Coinciding with the publication of recent amendments to the law establishing the Public Authority for Combating Corruption (Nazaha) Minister of Justice, Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait, affirmed that the legislative updates are vital to enhance Kuwait’s national framework for integrity, transparency, and anti-corruption efforts.

In a statement to Al-Jarida, Al-Sumait emphasized that these amendments aim to rectify shortcomings in the 2016 law by boosting Nazaha’s legal authority, oversight capabilities, and operational independence.

One of the most significant changes, Al-Sumait said, is the Authority’s newly granted right to appeal Public Prosecution decisions that dismiss corruption reports filed by Nazaha. This legal empowerment ensures an additional layer of judicial oversight, preventing any corruption suspicions from being prematurely or improperly closed, and reinforces accountability at every level.

The minister also highlighted that the amended law introduces settlement mechanisms for violations related to delays in submitting financial disclosure statements, striking a balance between deterrence and procedural flexibility. This reform allows for more pragmatic handling of non-criminal infractions without compromising the deterrent effect necessary for compliance.

Al-Sumait went on to say, the amendments remove the requirement for specific institutional representation on Nazaha’s board of directors, thereby reinforcing the Authority’s institutional independence and insulating it from external influence or conflicts of interest.

In addition, the law now requires that all board members serve full-time, a move expected to significantly improve work efficiency, speed up decision-making, and ensure focus on investigating and acting on corruption cases.

“These steps reflect the State’s unwavering commitment to empowering Nazaha to operate independently and effectively,” Al-Sumait stated.