Wetang’ula: Parliament has passed 63 laws to implement 2010 Constitution
By Kiprono Keileb, August 27, 2025National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has highlighted Parliament’s pivotal role in implementing Kenya’s Constitution over the past 15 years, underscoring the passage of 63 laws specifically required under the Constitution’s Fifth Schedule.
Speaking during Katiba Day celebrations at the Kenya International Convention Centre (KICC) on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Wetang’ula noted that since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, Parliament has played a central role in translating constitutional provisions into practical laws.
“Over the last 15 years, Parliament has been at the forefront of ensuring the implementation of the Constitution. Parliament passed and enacted 63 Bills to implement the Constitution as spelt out in the 5th schedule,” he said.
The Speaker explained that these bills touched on critical sectors, including leadership and integrity, representation of the people, land and environment, devolved government, public finance, and public service. By doing so, Parliament ensured that the legal framework supporting the Constitution was firmly anchored in law and practice.
Broader legislative impact
Beyond constitutional requirements, Wetang’ula emphasised Parliament’s wider legislative role in strengthening governance and advancing development. He revealed that in the same period, Parliament had enacted 471 additional bills addressing governance, economic progress, and accountability.
“Parliament has also passed and enacted 471 bills that have promoted good governance, social and economic development of the country,” he said.
Recent examples include the Anti-Money Laundering Amendment Bill 2025 and the Conflict of Interest Bill 2025, both of which are now Acts of Parliament. These, he argued, are part of Parliament’s broader agenda to entrench transparency and restore public trust in governance institutions.
Wetang’ula further drew attention to Parliament’s role in safeguarding fundamental rights enshrined in Chapter Four of the Constitution. “To implement the Bill of Rights under Chapter Four of the Constitution, Parliament has enacted and passed several pieces of legislation to promote fundamental human rights,” he said.
He cited the Affordable Housing Act as a key example, describing it as legislation that directly addresses the right to accessible and adequate housing. Other laws have touched on social protections and human dignity, signalling Parliament’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that the Bill of Rights is not just aspirational but enforceable.
Legacy and responsibility ahead
The Speaker framed these achievements as part of Parliament’s constitutional mandate but also as a reflection of Kenya’s democratic maturity. He noted that while much has been done, the responsibility of safeguarding the Constitution continues to rest heavily on lawmakers.
“Parliament has played, and must continue to play, its rightful role in anchoring the Constitution through robust legislative frameworks that respond to the needs of our people,” Wetang’ula affirmed.
As Kenya marks 15 years since the Constitution’s adoption, Wetang’ula’s remarks serve as both a record of achievement and a call for vigilance to ensure that the constitutional vision of good governance, social justice, and equality continues to be realised.