The National Assembly has opened a public consultation period for three bills currently under consideration.

The announcement, made on Monday, invites public contributions on the Medical Social Workers Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 22 of 2024), the Assembly and Demonstration Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 213 of 2024), and the Kenya Revenue Authority (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 35 of 2024).

Bills in National Assembly

The Medical Social Workers Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 22 of 2024), sponsored by Robert Pukose, seeks to provide a legislative framework for the training and licensing of medical social workers and to regulate their practice.

The Assembly and Demonstration Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 213 of 2024), sponsored by Geoffrey Ruku, MP, aims to give effect to Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and petition public bodies.

This comes even after the MP hinted that he would withdraw the Assembly and Demonstration Bill, 2024, also known as the Maandamano Bill.

The announcement was made via a statement on his official X account, where the MP cited public opposition as the primary reason for his decision.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 35 of 2024), sponsored by the Leader of the Majority Party, seeks to amend Section 5 of the Kenya Revenue Authority Act (Cap. 469) to provide a legal framework for the Kenya School of Revenue Administration to collaborate with other institutions of higher learning.

The bill also aims to empower the Commissioner-General to appoint Deputy Commissioners and amend Section 15A of the Act to allow the Cabinet Secretary to waive penalties under certain conditions.

In accordance with Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution, which requires Parliament to facilitate public participation and involvement in legislative processes, and Standing Order 127(3) of the National Assembly Standing Orders, which mandates House Committees to promote public engagement, the National Assembly is encouraging input from the public.

How to submit comments

Copies of the bills are available at the National Assembly Table Office, Main Parliament Buildings, and on the Parliament’s website: www.parliament.go.ke/the-national-assembly/house-business/bills.

Public comments should be submitted to the Clerk of the National Assembly by mail (P.O. Box 41842-00100, Nairobi), hand-delivered to the Clerk’s office at Main Parliament Buildings, or sent via email to cna.parliament.go.ke. All submissions must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 9, 2024.