Ruto signs three key Bills into law in State House ceremony
The National Disaster Risk Management law gives the president powers to declare a national state of disaster and direct emergency interventions, including resource mobilisation and evacuation of affected populations during crises.
President William Ruto has assented to three Bills into law, marking the eighth presidential assent event of 2026 during a ceremony held at State House, Nairobi, yesterday morning.
The Bills include the National Disaster Risk Management Bill, 2023, the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Equalisation Fund Appropriations Bill, 2025. The laws are aimed at strengthening governance systems, enhancing environmental protection, and promoting equitable development across the country.
Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, Josphat Nanok, said the new legislation is expected to improve institutional coordination and service delivery in key sectors.
The National Disaster Risk Management Bill, 2023 establishes a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. It provides for the creation of the National Disaster Risk Management Authority and county disaster risk management committees.
The law also gives the president powers to declare a national state of disaster and direct emergency interventions, including resource mobilisation and evacuation of affected populations during crises.
The Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025 seeks to strengthen forestry governance by promoting sustainable forest management and community participation. It introduces a Directorate of Forest Regulation tasked with enforcing compliance, licensing forest professionals, and ensuring adherence to national forestry standards.
The Equalisation Fund Appropriations Bill, 2025 allocates Sh16.2 billion to 34 marginalised counties identified by the Commission on Revenue Allocation under its Second Policy on Marginalisation. The funds will support development projects aimed at reducing regional inequalities.
The assent brings the total number of Bills signed into law by President Ruto in 2026 to eight, reflecting an active legislative agenda focused on disaster management reform, environmental sustainability, and equitable development financing across the country.
