ππππ πππππππ ππ πππ πππππ ππ ππππππππ ππππππππ, π πππππ ππππππππππππ πππ πππππππππ πππππππππππ
By Ahmed Salat Ali | Political Affairs Reporter, AARAN TV KE
President William Ruto has assented to three major Bills aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness, enhancing forest conservation, and promoting equitable development across marginalised regions of the country.
The newly signed laws include the National Disaster Risk Management Bill, the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Equalisation Fund Appropriations Bill, 2025.
Speaking after signing the Bills into law, President Ruto said the legislation marks a significant step towards improving governance, environmental protection, and service delivery across Kenya.
“These laws will strengthen disaster response, protect our forests, and ensure equitable development reaches every part of the country,” President Ruto stated.
The National Disaster Risk Management Act establishes a comprehensive legal framework for handling disasters more effectively at both the national and county levels. The law seeks to streamline disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts.
The Act also establishes the National Disaster Risk Management Authority alongside County Disaster Risk Management Committees, which will be tasked with coordinating emergency responses, issuing early warning alerts, and ensuring resources are delivered to affected communities in a timely manner.
According to the government, the new framework is expected to improve coordination during emergencies and reduce the impact of disasters across the country.
Meanwhile, the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Act, 2025, seeks to strengthen Kenya’s forestry sector by enhancing conservation efforts and promoting sustainable forest management.
The law further reinforces climate-responsive forestry practices and supports scientific research within the sector. It also strengthens the mandate of the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and formally re-establishes the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) as the country’s lead forestry research institution.
Government officials noted that the legislation will play a critical role in safeguarding forests and supporting the country’s climate action agenda.
In addition, President Ruto signed the Equalisation Fund Appropriations Act, 2025, which allocates Sh16.8 billion to 34 marginalised counties to support critical development projects.
The funds will be used to finance essential services, including water supply projects, road infrastructure, health facilities, and electricity connectivity in underserved areas.
The government said the funds will be deposited directly into special-purpose accounts rather than County Revenue Funds to ensure the money is used strictly for intended development projects.
“This legislation strengthens devolution by addressing historical inequalities and accelerating development in counties that have lagged behind,” the President added.
The signing of the three Bills is expected to bolster disaster resilience, environmental conservation, and inclusive development as the government pushes forward with its national transformation agenda.
Comments
Post a Comment