Senate invites public views on Autism Management Bill, 2025
By Faith Lagat, December 3, 2025The Senate has invited members of the public to submit their views on the Autism Management Bill, 2025 (Senate Bills No. 19 of 2025), following a notice issued through the Senate’s official X account on Wednesday.
The Bill, which seeks to create a national framework for autism screening, diagnosis and support, is now open for public participation as required by law.
“The Bill seeks to provide for an integrated and coordinated approach to the management of autism in Kenya. The Bill further seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework for early screening, diagnosis, management and support of persons with autism, while promoting public awareness and allocation of adequate resources towards autism programmes,” part of the Senate statement dated December 3, 2025, reads.
Committee to lead public participation
The Autism Management Bill, 2025, was read for the First Time in the Senate on November 26, 2025, before being committed to the Standing Committee on Health for review. Under Standing Order 145(5), the Committee is required to facilitate public participation and incorporate feedback into its report to the House.
According to the official notice, the proposed legislation aims to provide an integrated and coordinated approach to the management of autism in Kenya.
It also seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework for early screening, diagnosis, management and support for persons with autism, while strengthening public awareness and ensuring adequate allocation of resources toward autism programmes.
How to submit memoranda
In line with Article 118 (1) (b) of the Constitution and Standing Order 145(5), the Senate is calling on interested members of the public to submit written memoranda on the Bill. Submissions may be sent to the Clerk of the Senate at P.O. Box 41842-00100, Nairobi; hand-delivered to the Office of the Clerk at the Main Parliament Buildings; or emailed to clerk.senate@parliament.go.ke with a copy to healthcommittee.senate@parliament.go.ke.
All written representations must reach the Senate on or before Monday, 22nd December 2025, at 5:00 p.m., according to the notice. The Senate also indicated that the full text of the Bill, together with a digest summarising its key provisions and context, is available on the Parliament website at http://www.parliament.go.ke/the-senate/house-business/bills.
The invitation for public views marks an important phase in the legislative process for the Autism Management Bill, which appears among active bills listed on the Senate portal. If enacted, the law would formalize a structured national response to autism, promoting early interventions, resource allocation and long-term support systems for affected individuals and their families.