The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs (JLAC) is
considering a Bill that seeks to enhance how the coats-of-arms and other official symbols are created,
registered and protected under the Law.

The Committee chaired by Tharaka MP Hon. Gitonga Murugara, is considering the Bill which seeks
to provide a clear legal framework to help distinguish legitimate institutional symbols from
unauthorised reproductions and misuse.

The heraldry Bill, 2026 (National Assembly Bill No. 45 of 2026) seeks to repeal the College of Arms
Act and to provide for establishment of the college of arms; grant of arms and heraldic
representations; registration of grants and prohibition of misuse of arms and heraldic representations.
The Bill, sponsored by Leader of Majority Party in the National Assembly Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah
is currently undergoing public participation before the Committee where different entities have
already submitted their written memoranda on the same.

In its memoranda the Kenya Law Reform Commission (KLRC), has expressed its support for the Bill
with some proposed amendments, indicating that the proposed Law if enacted will be crucial at giving
a legal order to symbols that represent the State, public institutions, families and other. Bodies.
KLRC Chief Executive officer Mr. James Nombi noted that heraldry is part of the country’s intangible
cultural heritage, as it records the lineage, institutional history and civic identity and collective values
of the State.

“Coats-of-Arms and heraldic emblems are visual makers of authority and thus regulating them helps
prevent people from falsefully presenting themselves as state agencies, public institutions of officially
recognized bodies,” noted Mr. Nombi, in a memorandum before the Committee.

The Office of the Attorney General (AG) has also expressed its support for the Bill, noting that its
contents do not offend the Constitution or existing Acts of Parliament.

Hon. Murugara, indicated that the Committee would keenly scrutinize all amendments proposed by
different stakeholders before the Committee before JLAC affirms its final position on likely
amendments to be forwarded for consideration by the House.

He noted that the Bill is important as national and institutional symbols are more than just decorations
since they represent our history, identity and authority.