The National Assembly passed the National Government Administration Laws (Amendment) Bill, on April 16, 2024.

The Bill seeks to that strengthen the legal framework of the Executive Office through making amendments to the Assumption of the Office of President Act, 2012; the National Security Council Act, 2012; the Office of the Attorney-General Act, 2012, and the National Government Co-ordination Act, 2013. 

The House has approved amendments to the Assumption of Office of the President Act that  expands the President-elect's representation on the Assumption of the Office of the President Committee from three to six members. 

While justifying the amendments, Chairperson, Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, Hon. George Murungara (Tharaka) stated, “ We have to regularize the membership of the Assumption of the Office of the President Committee in line with the current provisions of law and allow broader representation of the President-elect in the membership of the Committee by increasing the number of representatives of the President-elect from three to six.” 

A proposal to amend the National Security Council Act to designate the National Security Advisor as the Secretary to the National Security Council was rejected by the House. "The National Security Advisor doesn't hold a statutory position," explained Hon. Murungara. "Including them in the National Security Council would be unconstitutional." 

Members of the National Assembly also rejected amendments seeking to transfer the custody of the public seal from the Office of the Attorney-General to the Head of Public Service. 

 Hon. (Dr) James Nyikal (Seme) lauded the deletion saying,” I rise to support this deletion. This is a major part of our law and as the Committee says, they were not provided with an adequate explanation. I think they have done the right thing.” 

"In Commonwealth nations," stated Leader of the Majority Party. Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah (Kikuyu), "the public seal traditionally rests with the Attorney-General's office due to its neutrality."  

Hon. Dido Rasso (Saku) and Hon T.J.Kajwang' (Ruaka), emphasized the Attorney-General's role as the state's legal advisor and the importance of maintaining a clear separation of powers. 

The passage of the National Government Administration Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023 Bill  also paves the way for the formalization of the Head of Public Service and Chief Administrative Secretary positions within the National Government Co-ordination Act.  

While speaking to the amendments, Hon. Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi West) stated, “ I find it very progressive that Parliament is making it statutory. Under a law, where there is a procedure for appointment and qualifications. The extent to which the Office interacts with other offices is defined in law.” 

During the session, Hon. T.J. Kajwang’  (Ruraka) and Hon. Millie Odhiambo-Mabona (Suba North) opposed the amendments citing the distinctions between the roles of the Head of Public Service and the Chief of Staff. 

 The National Government Administration Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023 now awaits assent by H.E the President.