NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has signed three new bills into law in a move aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness, environmental governance, and equitable development across the country.
The bills were assented to during a ceremony held at State House, Nairobi, on Friday morning, marking the eighth presidential assent event of 2026.
The newly enacted laws include the National Disaster Risk Management Bill, 2023, the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Equalisation Fund Appropriations Bill, 2025.
Disaster Management Law Creates National Authority
Speaking during the ceremony, Deputy Chief of Staff Josphat Nanok said the National Disaster Risk Management Act establishes a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for disaster preparedness and response.
“It establishes a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for disaster risk management through the creation of the National Disaster Risk Management Authority and county disaster risk management committees,” Nanok said.
According to the government, the law seeks to improve Kenya’s ability to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
The legislation also grants the President authority to declare a national state of disaster where circumstances require coordinated emergency action.
Under the law, the Head of State can direct interventions, including the mobilisation of resources and the evacuation of affected populations, during emergencies.
The enactment comes amid renewed national debate over disaster preparedness following recent school fire tragedies and climate-related emergencies affecting different parts of the country.
Forestry Law Introduces New Regulatory Directorate
President Ruto also assented to the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to strengthen forest governance and sustainable conservation efforts.
A key provision in the law is the establishment of a Directorate of Forest Regulation tasked with enforcing compliance, licensing forest professionals, and promoting adherence to national forestry standards.
“The Directorate will be responsible for enforcing compliance with the Act, licensing forest professionals, and promoting adherence to national forest standards,” Nanok stated.
The reforms are expected to support ongoing environmental conservation efforts as Kenya continues implementing policies aimed at increasing forest cover and combating climate change.
The forestry sector remains central to Kenya’s environmental protection agenda under Article 69 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, which obligates the State to sustainably manage natural resources and protect forests.
Sh16.2 Billion Allocated to Marginalised Counties
Meanwhile, the Equalisation Fund Appropriations Act, 2025, provides for the allocation of Sh16.2 billion to marginalised counties identified by the Commission on Revenue Allocation under its Second Policy on Marginalisation.
The Equalisation Fund is established under Article 204 of the Constitution to provide basic services, including water, roads, healthcare, and electricity, to historically marginalised areas.
According to Nanok, the funds will support development projects across constituencies within 34 identified counties.
“The Fund will support the implementation of critical development projects across designated constituencies within these counties,” he said.
Active Legislative Agenda
The latest assent raises the total number of bills signed into law by Ruto in 2026 to eight, reflecting an active legislative agenda focused on governance reforms and institutional restructuring.
The government maintains that the legislative reforms are part of broader efforts to strengthen public institutions and improve service delivery across the country.
