The National Assembly is set to deliberate on seven Bills passed by the Senate, following communication from Speaker Moses Wetang’ula on their transmission to the House.

Among the key Bills that will be considered is the Houses of Parliament (Bicameral Relations) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 44 of 2023), which the Senate approved with amendments. The Bill has been committed to the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs.

Speaker Wetang’ula informed lawmakers' that the Bill will be reviewed in accordance with Article 112 of the Constitution, which outlines the procedure for mediation in cases of disagreement between the two Houses of Parliament.

The Houses of Parliament (Bicameral Relations) Bill seeks to enhance coordination between the National Assembly and the Senate in the discharge of legislative functions. If passed, it is expected to foster smoother inter-house engagements and address disputes arising from legislative processes.

The Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill (Senate Bill No. 38 of 2023), which seeks to streamline regulations governing the boda boda sector will also be considered by legislators.

The Bill proposes licensing, registration, and safety standards for motorcycle operators. The Bill, which was passed by the Senate with amendments, will now undergo a First Reading in the National Assembly before proceeding to the Transport and Infrastructure Committee for consideration.

Equally, the Public Finance Management (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bill No. 40 of 2023), which seeks to require county governments to develop and implement a county revenue collection system, and to provide for the process of funding functions that have been transferred from one level of government to another under Article 187 of the Constitution. The Bill passed by the Senate with amendments on 5th December 2024 has been committed to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning.

The Intergovernmental Relations (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bill No. 12 of 2024) passed by the  Senate on December 5th 2024 with amendments seeks to amend the Intergovernmental Relations Act, CAP 265F to establish a structured framework for intergovernmental relations to enhance relations amongst the national government, county executive and county assemblies. The Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs is expected to consider the Bill.

Additionally, the Fire and Rescue Services Professionals Bill (Senate Bill No. 55 of 2023), which seeks to regulate the firefighting profession by establishing a Fire and Rescue Services Professionals Board.

If enacted, the Board will oversee the training, certification, and licensing of fire and rescue service personnel across the country. The Departmental Committee on Regional Development has been directed to consider Bill.

Lastly, two Bills relating to electoral and political reforms have been forwarded to the National Assembly, the Political Parties (Amendment) (No.2) Bill (Senate Bill No. 26 of 2024) and the Elections (Amendment) (No.2) Bill (Senate Bill No. 29 of 2024)

“The Bills seek to amend the Political Parties Act, CAP 7D, and the Elections Act, CAP 7, to actualize some of the recommendations and views of the public submitted to the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) during the national dialogue discourse on issues of electoral justice and related matters,” said Dr. Wetang’ula while addressing the Members of the National Assembly. The two Bills have been referred to the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs for consideration.

Speaker Wetang’ula has directed the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Samuel Njoroge to schedule the seven Bills for first reading. 

“With regard to the Bills, Members will note that the Standing Orders require the Speaker to cause a Bill received from the Senate to be read a First time upon conveyance of its Message. In view of this, and in order for the House to commence consideration of the Senate Bills, I hereby direct the Clerk to schedule the Bills in the Order Paper for First Reading in the next sitting,” he stated.