Kuwait advances major legal reforms to strengthen rule of law and transparency
. . . strengthens anti-corruption and digital justice through new legal overhaul
Kuwait is making steady progress in strengthening the rule of law and reinforcing the principles of transparency and justice through a series of legislative amendments aligned with a comprehensive strategic vision. These reforms aim to promote integrity, establish a fair and transparent legal environment, and address modern challenges while meeting citizens’ expectations.
Recent laws and decisions approved by the Cabinet represent a significant step in modernising Kuwait’s legal infrastructure. They are designed to protect public funds, combat corruption, keep pace with rapid technological change, and expand digital judicial services across the country.
In this context, the Cabinet recently approved a draft decree-law amending certain provisions of the Penal Code (Law No. 16 of 1960), aimed at safeguarding public rights, strengthening deterrence, and closing legal gaps identified in practical implementation. The amendments also address rising cases of negligence leading to injuries and fatalities by increasing financial penalties for manslaughter and accidental harm, while introducing aggravated circumstances in specific cases.
The reforms further include a new provision to protect the country’s credit system by addressing cases where individuals misrepresent their financial status as insolvent. Additional measures require clear reasoning for decisions to dismiss complaints, enhancing transparency and oversight in judicial procedures.
The amendments also introduce electronic mechanisms for submitting financial disclosures, particularly benefiting diplomatic and consular staff abroad, alongside procedural safeguards for employees of the Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha).
In administrative justice, Decree-Law No. 94 of 2024 introduced a value threshold for cases before the Court of Cassation, ensuring its focus remains on major disputes and its role in unifying legal principles and ensuring proper application of the law.
To improve efficiency and fairness in criminal proceedings, Decree-Law No. 104 of 2024 amended the Criminal Procedure Law by extending the appeal period to 30 days, addressing delays in delivering verdicts to concerned parties. It also introduced provisions allowing modern communication methods for legal notifications and summons.
In the real estate sector, the Ministry of Justice issued Decision No. 194 of 2025 regulating payment procedures in contracts and official debt and rental documents. The decision requires verified bank transfers or certified cheques to enhance transparency, prevent money laundering, and reduce fraudulent transactions and fictitious declarations.
As part of broader reform efforts, a decision was also issued to reduce life imprisonment sentences to 20 years, aiming to balance punishment with rehabilitation and support the reintegration of inmates into society.
Kuwait also inaugurated the new Palace of Justice, marking a major milestone in the development of a modern judicial infrastructure supported by digital transformation and advanced technological systems.
Overall, the Ministry of Justice continues to pursue strategic reforms focused on reviewing legislation, simplifying legal procedures, reducing case backlog, expanding digital services, and strengthening transparency and judicial independence to build a more efficient and accessible justice system.
— KUNA
