𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

The Budget and Appropriations Committee (BAC) chaired by Hon. Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu) has concluded a two-day retreat aimed at evaluating legislative proposals with significant fiscal implications to the economy.

Following deliberations, the Committee unanimously endorsed the Agricultural Professional Registration Bill, 2023, the Public Finance Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Births and Deaths Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Bribery (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Chief’s (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Medical Social Workers Bill, 2023, the Livestock Insurance Bill, 2023, the Land (Amendment) Bill, 2023, Employment (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Basic Education (Amendment) Bill, 2023 to advance to the House for debate.

The Basic Education (Amendment) Bill, 2023, sponsored by Hon. Anthony Oluoch (Mathare), aims to streamline the recognition and provision of benefits to alternative basic education and training institutions, thus amending the Basic Education Act, 2013, to incorporate the Alternative Provision for Basic Education and Training (APBET).

This initiative seeks to ensure access to education for vulnerable groups such as street children, orphans as well as adults who would have missed an opportunity to get basic education to learn through non-formal education centers, albeit APBET schools.

Hon. John Kanyuithia Mutunga (Tigania West) sponsored the Agricultural Professionals Registration and Licensing Bill, 2023 which seeks to establish a regulatory framework for agricultural professionals, thereby ensuring industry standards and practices are held.

The Chiefs’ (Amendment) Bill, 2023 by Hon. Samuel Arama (Nakuru Town West) seeks to have Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs get transferred within their respective counties.

Hon. Martha Wangari (Gilgil) defended a proposal to amend specific provisions of Births and Deaths Registration Act Cap 149 (principal act) to ensure that the relevant Cabinet Secretary establishes at least one Births and Deaths registration office within each constituency in Kenya. In support of this Bill, Members of the Budget Committee said all school going children would get the Birth Certificates with ease.

The Kenya Livestock Insurance Bill, 2023 by Hon. Abdul Haro (Mandera South) seeks to provide for a regulation and provision of livestock insurance to pastoralists in arid and semiarid areas in Kenya offering them financial security.

Hon. Barongo Nolfason Obadiah (Bomachoge Borabu) sought to amend the Bribery Bill, 2023 to create a visual record of interactions between the law enforcement officers and the Public. This Bill will allow deployment of cameras on roads, intensifying policing and enhancing accountability.

The Public Finance Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023 by Hon. Oyula Maero (Butula) proposes to provide for the establishment of the Public Sector Accounting Standards Board to allow the Board to make decisions and enforce accounting standards without direct control from the National Treasury.

The Medical Social Workers Bill, 2023 by Hon. Dr. Robert Pukose (Endebess) proposes to establish the Medical Social Workers Council, enhancing healthcare delivery at the community level and occasion generation of revenue for the council.

On his part, Hon. Joseph G. Gitari (Kirinyaga Central) sought to amend the Land Bill, 2023 to provide for a mechanism for registration and regulation of the operations of land dealing entities in Kenya, protecting citizens from exploitation by fraudulent companies.

The Employment (Amendment) Bill, 2023 by Hon. Canon Naomi Jillo Waqo (Marsabit) seeks to extend maternity leave for female employees by an optional addition of three months with half pay and an optional extension of paternity leave by two weeks with half pay for male employees.

Hon. Naomi highlighted the importance of extended leave, stating that it will promote bonding between parents and newborns, as well as facilitating the mother’s recovery and adjustment to caring for a new baby.

In addition to these legislative proposals, the Committee also deliberated and provided recommendations for the Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2023 by Hon. Samuel Arama and the Sustainable Development Bill, 2023 by Hon. Geoffrey Ruku (Mbeere North).

The scrutiny of proposed legislations by the Budget Committee marks a significant step toward enhancing fiscal alignment and legislative efficiency in Kenya.

In her closing remarks, Hon. Mary Emaase, the Vice chairperson of Budget and Appropriations Committee lauded the sponsors of the legislative proposals, expressing confidence that the Bills will address the gaps in the existing Law if considered by the House.