Kenyan President Ruto Signs Three Key Bills Into Law To Boost Governance And Service Delivery
By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya
President William Ruto on Wednesday approved three critical bills of legislation at State House, Nairobi, aimed at enhancing resource distribution, property valuation, and water infrastructure in Kenya.
The Division of Revenue (Amendment) Act, 2024, allocates KSh387 billion as equitable revenue for county governments for the 2024/2025 fiscal year.
While initially set at KSh400 billion, the figure was revised to KSh380 billion following debates over the Finance Bill, before both houses of Parliament agreed on the final amount.
This allocation represents 24.67% of the most recently audited revenue accounts and surpasses the 15% constitutional minimum for county funding.
Compared to the previous year’s KSh385 billion, counties have gained an additional KSh2 billion. Meanwhile, the national government is set to receive KSh2.2 trillion under the same framework.
The National Rating Act, 2024, establishes standardized procedures for valuing properties and determining county rates. It provides clear guidelines for assessment, ensuring uniformity and transparency in property valuation across all counties.
The Water (Amendment) Act, 2024, introduces public-private partnerships to support the development and financing of water infrastructure.
This legislation empowers national agencies to collaborate with private entities in expanding water supply systems and improving resource access.
These laws are expected to enhance resource distribution, improve county governance, and address gaps in infrastructure development, particularly in water access.