Ruto assents to seven parliamentary Bills

President William Ruto signs seven Bills into law on Wednesday, December 11. [PCS]

President William Ruto on Wednesday, December 11, signed seven Bills into law, marking significant legislative milestones aimed at advancing the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

The Bills include the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, the Tax Procedures (Amendment) Bill, the Business Laws (Amendment) Bill, the Statutory Instruments (Amendment) Bill, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (Amendment) Bill, the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill, and the Kenya Revenue Authority (Amendment) Bill.

Some key provisions in the new laws include; 

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (Amendment) Bill

This Bill mandates that the Chairperson of the Commission must meet the qualifications required for appointment as a High Court judge under the Constitution. 

“It is essential for the Chairperson to have relevant qualifications to provide leadership and strategic direction to the Commission,” it states.

The new requirements will take effect during the recruitment of the next Chairperson of the Commission.

Business Laws (Amendment) Bill

This legislation promotes consumer protection by requiring microfinance institutions to disclose credit terms clearly and accurately. 

It also ensures lawful debt collection practices and amends the Kenya Accreditation Service Act to mandate the accreditation of conformity assessment institutions by the Kenya Accreditation Service, promoting the ease of doing business.

Kenya Revenue Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2024

This Bill introduces a requirement that appointments of deputy commissioners by the Commissioner-General must now receive approval from the Board.

Ruto highlighted the importance of the new laws in driving economic transformation and enhancing Kenya’s global competitiveness.

The signing ceremony at Nairobi’s State House was attended by top government officials, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor, and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, alongside other Members of Parliament.