President William Ruto on Wednesday signed into law the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, 2024, which amends various provisions across 16 Acts of Parliament.
Among the most notable changes is the renaming of Utamaduni Day to Mazingira Day, to be observed annually on October 10th, as a dedicated day for Kenyans to engage in environmental conservation activities such as tree-planting and cultivation.
The amendment to the Public Holidays Act, renaming Utamaduni Day to Mazingira Day, is a bold step that aligns with the government’s push to accelerate the 10-year 15 billion tree-planting programme, encompassing forest, wetland, and rangeland restoration.
“This initiative will instill a sense of responsibility and ownership among Kenyans towards preserving our natural heritage,” remarked President Ruto during the signing ceremony at State House Nairobi.
In addition to the environmental focus, the Bill introduces significant changes to strengthen human resource operations within the Attorney-General’s office. The Office of the Attorney-General Act has been amended to establish an advisory board responsible for recommending appointments and promotions of deputy solicitors-general and State counsel.
The Value Added Tax Act has also been amended, removing denatured ethanol from the list of VAT-exempt supplies. This move aims to create an economic safety net and competitive edge for local denatured ethanol manufacturers, particularly millers and sugar manufacturers, who face challenges from cheaper imports. Conversely, the supply of gas meters has been exempted from VAT to enhance access to clean energy for low-income households.
Other notable amendments include granting the President the power to establish multiple specialised degree-awarding institutions focusing on national security issues under the Universities Act, and exempting the National Intelligence Service from the application of the Employment Act, mirroring exemptions granted to other national security organs.
The amendments also seek to streamline the administration of justice by replacing the Registrar of the High Court with the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary as the custodian of the roll of commissioners for oaths and statutory declarations, as well as the responsible authority for maintaining registers of convicted sexual offenders and trust registrations.
