Ruto Signs Three Key Bills Into Law at State House
News Updated: 13 March 2026 14:47 EAT
President William Samoei Ruto at the State House Nairobi
President William Ruto on Friday signed three major Bills into law at State House in Nairobi, marking a significant milestone in legislative reforms aimed at strengthening key sectors of the economy. The President assented to the Miscellaneous Fees and Levies (Amendment) Act, 2026, the Coffee Act, 2023 (Mediated Version), and the Meteorology Act, 2023.
The three pieces of legislation were previously approved by both the National Assembly and the Senate after undergoing amendments and mediation between the two Houses. Their enactment is expected to introduce new regulatory frameworks, institutional changes and funding mechanisms in strategic sectors.
The Coffee Act, 2023 (Mediated Version) introduces sweeping reforms in the coffee industry, one of Kenya’s traditional export earners. The law restructures the governance and regulation of the sector in a bid to improve transparency, marketing and earnings for farmers.
Under the Act, regulatory and commercial responsibilities previously handled by the Agriculture and Food Authority will be transferred to a newly established Coffee Board of Kenya. The board will be responsible for licensing dealers, regulating coffee marketing and coordinating industry development.
The board will also collect and manage industry data, promote Kenyan coffee locally and internationally, and oversee the implementation of policies aimed at improving productivity and quality across the value chain.
The law further provides for the establishment of the Coffee Research and Training Institute, which will focus on research, training and development in the coffee sector. The institute will work on improving crop varieties, addressing diseases and equipping farmers with modern production techniques.
Meanwhile, the Miscellaneous Fees and Levies (Amendment) Act, 2026 expands the scope of the Railway Development Levy. The amendment allows funds collected through the levy to support a wider range of railway infrastructure projects beyond the Standard Gauge Railway.
The Act also establishes the Railway Development Levy Fund, where revenue from the levy will be deposited and managed. The fund will support construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of railway infrastructure across the country.
A Railway Development Fund Board will oversee the management and administration of the fund. The board will guide strategic planning, budgeting and implementation of projects financed through the levy.
The Meteorology Act, 2023 establishes a comprehensive legal framework for meteorological services in Kenya. The law aims to strengthen coordination in weather monitoring, forecasting and climate services across the country.
The Act also provides for the establishment of the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority, which will oversee meteorological operations and advise national and county governments on weather and climate matters while supporting research, training and early warning systems.
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FELIX MAKONA
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