The Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Bill, 2023, introducing a raft of changes affecting various sectors was assented into law by His Excellency, President Dr. William Ruto on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

The Bill sponsored by Leader of Majority Party, Hon. Kimani Ichung'wah (Kikuyu), was passed by the National Assembly on March 21, 2024.

 The Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Bill, 2023, sought to amend various provisions of 16 Acts of Parliament.

 The Bill, now law, strengthens the Office of the Attorney-General by establishing an Advisory Board for recruitment and promotion of Deputy Solicitors-General and State Counsels.

 In addition, October 10, has been designated as ”Mazingira Day" through an amendment to the Public Holiday Act. This day will be for all Kenyans to participate in environment conservation activities including tree planting.

 The Act also amends the Value Added Tax (Cap. 476) to remove VAT on supply of denatured ethanol thus giving local manufactures a competitive advantage to compete with imports of denatured ethanol.

 Kenyans can expect easier access to clean energy as the Act further amends the Value Added Tax (Cap. 476) to exempt gas meters from VAT, promoting the use of pay-as-you-go technology. 

 The Industrial Training Act (Cap. 237) has also been amended to provide that the date for remitting the training levy shall be the ninth day of the month in order to harmonize it with the period within which PAYE is remitted to the Kenya Revenue Authority.

 For effective registration procedures for trusts the Act amends the Trustee (Perpetual Succession) Act (Cap. 164) to provide that the Registrar of Companies streamlines trust registration procedures by placing the responsibility with the Registrar of Companies.

 Through the amendments, the Universities Act will empower the President to establish specialized degree-awarding institutions focused on national security, enhancing education opportunities.

 Enactment of the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Bill, 2023 will exempt the National Intelligence Service from the Employment Act, similar to other national security agencies. 

 To deter traffic offences penalties relating to minor traffic offences have been enhanced. The Act also amends the Traffic Act (Cap. 403) to incorporate the use of technology in the management of minor traffic offences under section 117(3).

 Other amendments were made to; Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Para-Professionals Act (Cap. 366),Civil Aviation Act (Cap. 394), Oaths and Statutory Declarations Act (Cap. 15) Advocates Act (Cap. 16)  Notaries Public Act (Cap. 17) and Sexual Offences Act (Cap. 63A).