Ruto Signs Three Key Laws On Disaster Management, Forest Conservation And Equalisation Fund
News Updated: 29 May 2026 12:18 EAT
President William Samoei Ruto during the assent to 3 key bills at State House Nairobi
President William Ruto on Friday signed three major Bills into law at State House Nairobi, in a move aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness, environmental protection and equitable development across the country. The new laws are expected to enhance coordination in emergency response, improve forest governance and increase development funding for marginalised regions.
The newly enacted legislation includes the National Disaster Risk Management Act, the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Act, 2025, and the Equalisation Fund Appropriations Act for the 2025/2026 financial year. The government said the laws form part of broader reforms intended to improve service delivery and strengthen national resilience against climate-related and humanitarian challenges.
The National Disaster Risk Management Act establishes a comprehensive legal framework for coordinating disaster response and preparedness across the country. The law creates the National Disaster Risk Management Authority alongside county disaster management structures to improve planning, coordination and response during emergencies.
The new disaster management framework is expected to improve Kenya’s response to floods, droughts, fires, disease outbreaks and other emergencies that have increasingly affected different regions in recent years. Officials said the legislation will also help streamline cooperation between national and county governments during crises.
A key provision in the law grants the President powers to officially declare a national disaster during major emergencies. The declaration is expected to allow faster mobilisation of resources, deployment of emergency agencies and coordination of evacuation and humanitarian operations when disasters occur.
At the same time, the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Act, 2025 introduces new reforms aimed at improving forest governance, strengthening enforcement and promoting sustainable management of forest resources across the country.
One of the major provisions in the forestry law is the establishment of the Directorate of Forest Regulation, which will oversee compliance with forest regulations, licensing of forest professionals and enforcement of conservation standards. The government said the reforms are intended to curb illegal logging, encroachment and environmental degradation.
Officials noted that the forestry reforms are also expected to support Kenya’s climate change mitigation agenda and enhance protection of water towers and critical ecosystems that are vital to agriculture, energy production and biodiversity conservation.
Meanwhile, the Equalisation Fund Appropriations Act allocates Sh16.2 billion for development projects in marginalised counties identified by the Commission on Revenue Allocation. The funds will support projects in water supply, roads, healthcare, electricity and other essential public services.
The signing of the three laws comes as the Kenya Kwanza administration continues to push governance and development reforms focused on improving public service delivery, strengthening environmental conservation and enhancing the country’s preparedness for disasters and climate-related challenges.
Tags: President William Ruto Signs Signs Media Kenya Limited Signs Tv Signsmedia Signstv Signstvkenya William Ruto William Samoei Ruto
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FELIX MAKONA
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