Kikuyu Member of Parliament (MP) Kimani Ichung’wah has explained why the bills assented to law by President William Ruto are pivotal in the governance of the country.
The Division of Revenue (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Rating Bill, 2022, and the Water (Amendment) Bill, 2024, were assented into law by the president during a ceremony at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
The Leader of the Majority, who was present at the State House, has pointed out the positives the three laws will herald.
“The Division of Revenue (Amendment) Bill, unlocking Ksh387 billion in shareable revenue for counties. The Water Act (Amendment) Bill, enabling public-private partnerships in water distribution and operationalizing the Water Tribunal for conflict resolution.
“The National Rating Bill, establishes a framework for rating properties, land, and fixed assets within counties, excluding freehold agricultural land.
“These laws mark a pivotal step in strengthening county governance, enhancing water resource management, and streamlining property rating systems,” Ichung’wah said in a post on his X account.
Wetang’ula’s take
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, was also present when the president signed the bill. He echoed Ichungwah’s sentiments on the importance of the new set of laws.
“The Division of Revenue (Amendment) Act, 2024, is expected to unlock Ksh387 billion as the equitable share of revenue allocated to counties for the 2024/2025 financial year.
“Initially, the Finance Bill, 2024, had proposed KSh400 billion for counties, but following its rejection, the allocation was revised downward.
“This adjustment was the result of an agreement between the National Assembly and the Senate, with the final figure representing 24.67% of the most recent audited revenue, a significant improvement over the constitutional minimum of 15%. Additionally, the Act allocates KSh2.2 trillion to the National Government,” Wetang’ula said.
Amason Kingi (Speaker of the Senate) and Aaron Cheruiyot (Majority Leader, Senate) were also among the parliamentary leadership present at State House.
