Key Bills on county governance, climate construction set for debate as Senate resumes sittings

The Senate will resume its regular sittings on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, after a two-week recess, with legislators expected to debate a packed agenda that includes proposals on county governance reforms, climate-resilient construction and guaranteed returns for farmers.

Among the key Bills slated for discussion is the County Governments Laws (Amendment) Bill, sponsored by Garissa Senator Abdul Haji, which seeks to tighten accountability and streamline operations in devolved units.

The Bill proposes the introduction of a decennial audit of county public service operations to hold governors accountable after leaving office. It also aims to amend the County Governments Act to clarify the publication of legislation passed by county assemblies and mandates governors to deliver an annual address before the assemblies.

“The Bill stipulates timelines for the nomination and appointment of county executive committee members and county chief officers, provides for the appointment of new county public service boards after a General Election, and introduces a county public service audit,” the senator said.

He added that the legislation would impose a statutory obligation on county governors to nominate county executive members within 14 days of being sworn in, while county assemblies would be required to approve or reject the nominations within 14 days.

Currently, the County Governments Act does not specify timelines for the nomination, vetting, or appointment of county executive committee members. The absence of a fixed schedule has often led to delays in staffing critical positions, affecting service delivery at the county level.

The Senate will also debate the National Construction Authority (Amendment) Bill, sponsored by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, which seeks to embed environmental sustainability and climate resilience into Kenya’s construction sector.

“The construction sector plays a crucial role in the development of Kenya’s infrastructure and economy; however, it also significantly impacts the environment and is vulnerable to climate change risks,” Oketch said.

“There is a pressing need to integrate environmental sustainability and climate resilience into construction activities. The Bill proposes to empower the National Construction Authority to promote and enforce the use of environmentally sustainable construction materials, designs, standards, and practices.”

The House will also discuss the Agriculture Produce (Minimum Guaranteed Returns) Bill, sponsored by nominated Senator Veronica Maina, aimed at guaranteeing minimum returns to farmers.

Maina emphasised the critical role of agriculture in Kenya’s economy, saying, “The sector contributes more than 20 per cent of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 60 per cent of export earnings and about 45 per cent of government revenue, while providing most of Kenya’s food requirements.”

“The sector is estimated to have a further indirect contribution of nearly 27 per cent of GDP through linkages with manufacturing, distribution, and other service-related sectors, while employing more than 40 per cent of Kenya’s population and more than 70 per cent of the rural population.”

Maina noted that limited access to finance and market uncertainties remain major challenges affecting farmers’ incomes.

“The sector faces many challenges that reduce its contribution to the economy and the improvement of livelihoods,” she said.

The House will also resume debate on the County Attorney (Amendment) Bill, sponsored by Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli, which seeks to amend the Office of the County Attorney Act to strengthen the qualifications and tenure of County Attorneys and County Solicitors.

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• County Governments Laws (Amendment) Bill
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• Agriculture Produce (Minimum Guaranteed Returns) Bill
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• Key Bills on county governance
• climate construction set for debate as Senate resumes sittings

“This Bill seeks to provide for the tenure of the Office of County Attorney, whose role is to advise the county government, since it is imperative for the holder to have vast experience related to the responsibilities bestowed on that office,” Wakoli said.

Senators will also continue discussions on the Seeds and Plant Varieties (Amendment) Bill, sponsored by Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina, which introduces a standards-based seed registration system to expedite the approval of seed varieties.

“The Bill will establish seed varieties eligible for registration by the Kenya Bureau of Standards, ensuring timely approval and improved quality of seeds in the market,” Kina said.

The Senate is expected to have a busy week as these bills undergo detailed scrutiny, with the potential to shape governance, environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity across the country.