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President William Ruto on Friday signed three new Bills into law during a ceremony held at State House, Nairobi, marking the eighth presidential assent event of 2026.
The newly enacted laws are the National Disaster Risk Management Bill, 2023, the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Equalisation Fund Appropriations Bill, 2025.
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The legislation is expected to boost governance, strengthen environmental conservation, and promote fair development across the country.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, Josphat Nanok, said the laws will improve institutional coordination and enhance service delivery in critical sectors.
Nanok explained that the National Disaster Risk Management Act establishes a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for disaster preparedness and response through the creation of the National Disaster Risk Management Authority and county disaster management committees.
He noted that the law is designed to strengthen Kenya’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
The legislation also grants the President powers to declare a national state of disaster when a coordinated national response is required. It further authorises the Head of State to oversee interventions such as resource mobilisation and evacuation of affected communities during emergencies.
The Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Act, 2025, seeks to enhance forest governance by encouraging sustainable forest management and greater community participation in conservation efforts.
Nanok highlighted the establishment of the Directorate of Forest Regulation as one of the key provisions introduced by the law.
The directorate will oversee enforcement of forestry laws, licensing of forest professionals, and compliance with national forest standards.
Meanwhile, the Equalisation Fund Appropriations Act, 2025, allocates resources from the Equalisation Fund in accordance with Article 204 of the Constitution.
According to Nanok, the Bill sets aside Sh16.2 billion for 34 counties classified as marginalised under the Commission on Revenue Allocation’s Second Policy on Marginalisation.
The funds will support key development projects in selected constituencies within the affected counties.
With the latest assent, the number of Bills signed into law by President Ruto in 2026 now rises to eight, reflecting the government’s push for reforms in disaster management, environmental protection, and equitable development.
