Inside 3,130 papers, 23 laws that shaped MPs’ 2025 agenda

National Assembly/FILE

The National Assembly processed thousands of documents and passed nearly two dozen major laws in the fourth session, which ran from February to December 4.

The House capped off the busy legislative year with the passage of significant laws and the approval of key government appointments.

The session focused on economic reform, social protection, governance and compliance with international standards.

The 2025 parliamentary session was characterised by responding to global pressures (money laundering, digital assets), as well as domestic demands (housing, social welfare), and governance reforms (privatisation, conflict of interest).

A total of 49 bills were introduced during the session, with 23 successfully passed and assented into law.

Among the most notable included the Finance Bill, 2025, which overhauled tax laws to offer employee relief, boost manufacturing, agriculture, and incentives for telecoms, while widening the tax net.

The Excise Duty Bill removed 25 per cent duty on imported electric transformers to lower electricity connection costs.

MPs also considered the Capital Markets Bill, giving regulators flexibility to set shareholding limits for brokers, fund managers and align with regional tariffs.

A Social Protection Bill passed in the period establishes a framework for non-contributory social assistance.

It also created a National Board for Social Protection to cushion vulnerable citizens against poverty and shocks.

MPs also amended 10 laws affecting money laundering, addressing deficiencies identified by international watchdogs, and strengthened the country’s financial integrity regime.

The Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, which created the first regulatory framework for cryptocurrency and virtual asset services, was also passed.

It was viewed as a direct response to the country being placed on the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) ‘grey list’.

The Privatisation Bill paved the way for efficiency and broader ownership of public entities, and imposed parliamentary oversight in the sale process.

Other significant laws passed include the Gambling Control Bill, the Government Owned Enterprises Bill, the Conflict of Interest Bill, and the Division of Revenue Bill.

The Conflict of Interest Bill consolidated laws on personal interest and empowered the EACC to manage integrity in public office.

The Enterprises Bill paved the way for state corporations to operate as commercial companies under the Companies Act for better governance.

Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Bill, which expanded offences to include cyberbullying, promotion of extremism, cultism and phishing via calls or emails, was also approved but not taken off following a court challenge.

The House approved 56 nominees to critical state offices through 25 special motions.

These included Cabinet and principal secretaries, ambassadors, and members of independent commissions such as the Central Bank of Kenya, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), and the National Police Service Commission.

Additionally, the House approved 2,030 nominees to the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) committees across all 290 constituencies.

During the period under review, MPs posed 130 questions to Cabinet secretaries and independent offices.

Key issues addressed included the disbursement of NG-CDF and school capitation funds, the status of the Road Maintenance Levy Fund, and the criteria for classifying hardship areas for civil servants.

In international engagements, the assembly approved the ratification of nine treaties and agreements.

These included a Comprehensive Economic Partnership with the United Arab Emirates, an agreement to eliminate double taxation with Singapore, and treaties related to marine biodiversity conservation and fisheries subsidies.

The session also saw intense scrutiny of delegated legislation, with 82 statutory instruments processed.

The House annulled a suite of 10 petroleum regulations due to procedural failures, including a lack of timely tabling and inadequate public participation.

Conversely, it approved impactful regulations on affordable housing (reducing purchase deposits from 10 per cent to five per cent), social health insurance tariffs, and revised national park fees.

On public engagement, 276 petitions were received.

A notable outcome was when the House adopted a report calling for a review of regulations to legally recognise and protect digital boda boda (e-hailing motorcycle) riders.

The session’s overall performance pointed to a high level of activity with 210 motions, 591 statements, 3,130 papers laid before the House, and four Sessional Papers considered.

The summary illustrates a Parliament engaged in shaping the country’s policy direction across economic, social and governance spheres while fulfilling its constitutional duties of representation, oversight and approval of national appointments. The huge volume of papers, at least 3,130, reflects a year of intense legislative activity, with nearly two dozen laws setting the tone for the country’s policy direction in the years ahead.