NAIROBI, Kenya — A committee overseeing the implementation of the 10-point cooperation deal between President William Ruto and the late Raila Odinga has reported significant progress across several reform areas, while acknowledging pending legislative and policy gaps.
The update was presented on Tuesday during a joint parliamentary group meeting bringing together lawmakers from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Committee member Javas Bigambo said the majority of the agenda items agreed under the bipartisan framework had either been implemented or were at advanced stages.
Legislative reforms under the NADCO agenda
On the implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, Bigambo said nine bills were submitted to Parliament, with three already signed into law.
The enacted laws include the IEBC Amendment Act (2023), the Statutory Instruments Amendment Act (2023), and the EACC Amendment Act (2023).
Other proposed legislation, including the Elections Amendment Bill (2023) and the Election Offences Bill (2023), remains under mediation.
Bigambo also confirmed the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), one of the key demands outlined in the NADCO report.
In addition, he noted the implementation of the Public Benefit Organisations Act 2013, which allows civil society organisations to access funding for development programmes.
A proposed constitutional amendment seeking to entrench the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), Senate oversight funds, and a County Ward Fund is also under review.
Inclusivity and economic reforms
The committee said the broad-based government has taken steps to promote inclusivity in public life, including the launch of a National Policy on Ethnic Minorities and Marginalised Communities.
According to the report, the policy includes a Sh500 million programme and establishes a Directorate for Minorities and Marginalised Communities within the Office of the President.
The government was also credited with lowering fertiliser costs, reducing fuel prices by 14pc, and ensuring the timely payment of social protection stipends.
Healthcare reforms under the Social Health Authority (SHA) were cited as part of efforts to expand access to medical services.
Strengthening devolution and youth empowerment
On devolution, the committee noted an increase in the equitable revenue share to counties from Sh385 billion to Sh415 billion, describing the adjustment as a major boost for county governments.
Bigambo said counties were also receiving timely monthly disbursements without carry-over arrears as of June 30, 2025.
Under youth empowerment programmes, the report said more than 90,000 young people are currently undergoing business training, while the NYOTA fund has supported opportunities for over 820,000 young entrepreneurs.
Additional employment opportunities were created through affordable housing projects, stadium construction, and climate works programmes.
Governance, protests, and debt oversight
The committee also highlighted the enactment of the Conflict of Interest Act, aimed at strengthening integrity and accountability in public service.
On civil liberties, the government reportedly set aside Sh2 billion in the 2025/26 supplementary budget to compensate victims of protests and human rights violations.
The report added that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has secured convictions in 35 cases involving 49 police officers accused of misconduct.
Meanwhile, the government has commissioned a comprehensive public debt audit through the Office of the Auditor-General to enhance transparency in the management of borrowed funds.
Anti-corruption and austerity measures
In the fight against corruption, the committee pointed to the rollout of an e-government procurement system and the consolidation of state revenue under a single Treasury account system to improve transparency.
The government was also credited with passing laws aimed at combating money laundering and terrorism financing.
To curb public expenditure, the report cited austerity measures including the scrapping of budgets for the offices of the First Lady, Second Lady, and the spouse of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, as well as a 12-month ban on the purchase of government vehicles outside the security sector.
Recommendations to Parliament
The committee recommended the formation of a joint Senate–National Assembly team to fast-track pending legislation related to the agreement.
It also urged Parliament to conclude the remaining bills within 90 days, while calling on the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights to strengthen legal protections for protesters.
County governments were further urged to implement the National Policy on Ethnic Minorities and Marginalised Communities, while lawmakers were asked to accelerate the passage of the National Resources Amendment Bill (2022).
The review comes as lawmakers seek to sustain the broad-based cooperation framework between UDA and ODM, which was formed to ease political tensions and advance governance reforms.
