National Assembly moves to consolidate Bills with similar amendments for effective legislation

𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

The National Assembly hastaken measures toward streamlining its legislative process by staying the consideration of the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 35 of 2022) and the Kenya Sign Language Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 1 of 2024) to allow for consolidation with similar proposals. 

This move follows a resolution made during the House’s Mid-Term Retreat in January 2025, which recommended merging Bills with related subject matters to enhance efficiency and prudent use of parliamentary time.

"Some of the Bills and legislative proposals contained similar or related subject matters. Members resolved that to ensure prudent use of available time and to fast track consideration of the Bill and proposals, it would be imperative that the Bills be consolidated," stated Speaker Wetang'ula. 

The Speaker informed the House of a letter from the Deputy Speaker , Hon. Gladys Bossdated 27th February 2025, requesting stay of consideration of the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 35 of 2022), which was published vide Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 154 of 14th October 2023 seeking to amend the Political Parties Act, Cap 7D. 

"The Bill requires the Registrar of Political Parties to convey to the Clerk of each House of Parliament, any coalition agreement deposited with the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties. The Bill was read a First Time on 12th April 2023, following which it was committed to the Procedure and House Rules Committee for consideration."

However, a similar Bill, the Political Parties (Amendment) (No.2) Bill (Senate Bill No. 26 of 2024), originating from the Senate and sponsored by the Senate Majority Leader, is already under consideration. The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Gladys Boss, formally requested the stay, emphasizing the need to harmonize the provisions of both Bills.

Likewise, Hon. Umulkher Harun Mohamed sought the suspension of her Kenya Sign Language Bill, which aims to promote the recognition and use of Kenyan Sign Language. 

"Hon. Umulkher Harun Mohamed, MP, sponsor of the Kenya Sign Language Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 1 of 2024) is also seeking to suspend consideration of the Bill. The Bill seeks to provide for the recognition, promotion, development and use of Kenyan Sign Language and to mandate the State to put in place measures for the promotion of the rights of the marginalized, including persons with disabilities." said the Speaker. 

The request follows the existence of a similar Bill—Kenya Sign Language Bill (Senate Bill No. 9 of 2023)—co-sponsored by Sen. Crystal Asige and the National Assembly Minority Whip, Hon. Millie Odhiambo-Mabona.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Moses Wetang'ula directed the suspension of the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 35 of 2022) and the Kenya Sign Language Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 1 of 2024). The directive allows for their integration with similar Bills currently before the House, in line with the resolutions of the retreat.

In his ruling, the Speaker directed the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs and the Departmental Committee on Social Protection to integrate the respective Bills’ proposals into their reports for consideration during the Committee of the Whole House.

The Speaker lauded the two MPs for their cooperation and urged other legislators with overlapping legislative proposals to consider co-sponsorship or consolidation. “This approach fosters efficiency, collegiality, and better time management in our legislative processes,” he noted.