by JAMES GICHIGI

President William Ruto has assented to three bills into law. The bills were assented to during a ceremony at State House, Nairobi, on Friday morning, marking the 8th presidential assent event of 2026.

They include the National Disaster Risk Management Bill, 2023, the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Equalisation Fund Appropriations Bill, 2025.

They are aimed at strengthening governance, environmental protection, and equitable development across the country.

Speaking during the ceremony, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, Josphat Nanok, outlined the significance of the newly enacted laws, noting that they are expected to enhance institutional coordination and improve service delivery in key sectors.

The National Disaster Risk Management Bill, 2023, establishes a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for disaster preparedness and response in the country.

"It establishes a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for disaster risk management through the creation of the National Disaster Risk Management Authority and county disaster risk management committees," Nanok said.

He said it is aimed at strengthening Kenya’s capacity to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

Of particular significance, the law provides a clear statutory basis for the declaration of a national state of disaster by the President where circumstances require a coordinated national response.

It also empowers the Head of State to direct necessary interventions, including the mobilisation of resources and evacuation of affected populations, in order to safeguard lives and property during emergencies.

The second law, the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to strengthen Kenya’s forestry governance framework by promoting sustainable forest management and community participation in conservation efforts.

"A seminal development introduced by the bill is the establishment of the Directorate of Forest Regulation," he said.

"The Directorate will be responsible for enforcing compliance with the Act, licensing forest professionals, and promoting adherence to national forest standards."

Meanwhile, the Equalisation Fund Appropriations Bill, 2025, provides for the allocation of resources from the Equalisation Fund in line with Article 204 of the Constitution.

According to the deputy chief of staff, the bill appropriates Sh16.2 billion for distribution to 34 counties identified as marginalised by the Commission on Revenue Allocation under its Second Policy on Marginalisation.

"The Fund will support the implementation of critical development projects across designated constituencies within these counties," he stated.

The latest assent brings the total number of Bills signed into law by President Ruto in 2026 to eight, signalling an active legislative calendar focused on reforms in disaster management, environmental governance, and equitable development financing. The Star