NAIROBI – President William Ruto signed eight pivotal bills into law on Wednesday during a ceremony at State House, Nairobi, enacting sweeping reforms across land, wildlife, cybersecurity, and the economy.
The newly assented statutes are designed to address long-standing issues and modernize Kenya’s legal framework in several key sectors. The signed bills are:
· The National Land Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023
· The Land (Amendment) Bill, 2024
· The Wildlife Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023
· The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024
· The National Police Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024
· The Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Bill, 2025
· The Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, 2025
· The Privatisation Bill, 2025
In a statement, President Ruto said the laws reinforce the nation’s “collective commitment to address historical injustices, entrench equity and transparency, and accelerate our national development and transformation agenda.”
The legislative package includes landmark measures. The Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill establishes Kenya’s first comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, introducing licensing requirements and anti-money laundering controls for service providers.
Additionally, the Privatisation Bill paves the way for the sale of non-strategic state-owned enterprises, a move the government states is intended to enhance efficiency and reduce the burden on public finances.
The signings occurred amid a tense political atmosphere, with unconfirmed reports circulating about the status of opposition leader Raila Odinga in India. The timing of the high-profile bill signings has drawn public scrutiny, juxtaposing the government’s legislative push with the unverified claims.
