President William Ruto signed seven critical Parliamentary Bills into law at a ceremony held at State House, Nairobi. The event, attended by key government leaders, showcased the administration’s commitment to fostering economic growth, governance reforms, and ease of doing business.
The Bills include the Kenya Revenue Authority (Amendment) Bill 2024, the Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill 2024, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (Amendment) Bill 2024, and the Statutory Instruments (Amendment) Bill 2023. Others are the Business Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024, the Tax Procedures (Amendment) Bill 2024, and the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024.
Key Provisions of the Bills
The Kenya Revenue Authority (Amendment) Bill 2024 introduces significant reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency of tax administration. It allows for the appointment of deputy commissioners by the Commissioner-General, subject to the Board’s approval. This move is expected to improve governance and operational efficiency within the authority. Furthermore, the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary is empowered to waive penalties imposed on appointed agents who inadvertently fail to transfer collected funds.
In governance reforms, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (Amendment) Bill 2024 responds to public input through the National Dialogue Committee on governance. A notable amendment requires the chairperson of the commission to hold qualifications suitable for a High Court judge. This measure seeks to ensure leadership with judicial expertise, enhancing the commission’s strategic direction and integrity.
The Business Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024 targets financial stability and the protection of depositors. It also aims to simplify business processes through amendments to the Kenya Accreditation Service Act, mandating accreditation of conformity assessment institutions. Additionally, the Bill amends the Special Economic Zones Act, empowering the Cabinet Secretary to set minimum investment thresholds and establish a one-stop shop for enterprise applications, boosting investor confidence and ease of business operations.
Driving Economic Transformation
President Ruto emphasized that these legislative changes are designed to align with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda’s goals of inclusive growth and enhanced governance. The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing economic challenges and creating opportunities for all Kenyans.
“The Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda is about empowering the people, fostering transparency, and driving sustainable development,” President Ruto remarked during the signing ceremony.
The other Bills, such as the Tax Procedures (Amendment) Bill 2024 and the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024, aim to simplify tax compliance and improve Kenya’s fiscal framework. These measures are expected to foster revenue generation while reducing bottlenecks for taxpayers.
Support from Key Leaders
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, and Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor were among the high-ranking officials present at the ceremony. Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah led Members of Parliament in affirming their support for the legislative agenda, emphasizing its role in bolstering Kenya’s economic trajectory.
“This legislative package demonstrates the government’s responsiveness to public concerns and its resolve to create a conducive environment for economic growth,” Mudavadi noted.
Streamlining Governance and Business Operations
The comprehensive nature of the Bills reflects the administration’s focus on improving governance and operational frameworks across various sectors. By addressing tax administration, corruption, and business laws simultaneously, the government aims to establish a robust foundation for economic transformation.
The signing of these Bills marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s legislative landscape, signaling a proactive approach to addressing both immediate and long-term economic challenges. As the implementation phase begins, stakeholders across the public and private sectors will play a crucial role in realizing the transformative vision articulated in BETA.
These laws set the stage for a revitalized economic framework, paving the way for a prosperous and inclusive future for Kenya.
