President William Ruto has taken a decisive step in shaping Kenya’s legal landscape by assenting to the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, 2024.
This bill brings about crucial changes across 16 Acts of Parliament, addressing a spectrum of issues ranging from environmental conservation to human resource management.
One of the notable amendments pertains to the Public Holidays Act, where the bill introduces a significant transformation.
Utamaduni Day, previously observed to celebrate culture and heritage, has been renamed Mazingira Day.
Scheduled for October 10 annually, Mazingira Day will now focus on environmental conservation efforts nationwide.
Kenyans are encouraged to actively participate in activities such as tree planting and nurturing, aligning with the government’s ambitious 10-year plan to plant fifteen billion trees.
This initiative aims at restoring forests, wetlands, and rangelands, emphasizing the urgent need for environmental stewardship.
Furthermore, the Office of the Attorney-General Act undergoes amendments aimed at enhancing human resource management within the Attorney-General’s office.
The introduction of an advisory board is set to revolutionize personnel appointment and promotion processes.
Comprising key stakeholders such as the Attorney-General, Principal Secretaries of Public Service and National Treasury, Chairpersons of the Public Service Commission and Law Society of Kenya, and the Institute of Human Resource Management, this board will play a pivotal role in ensuring transparent and merit-based selections.
The objective is to address existing challenges stemming from inadequate personnel and insufficient employment terms for State counsel.
By establishing a comprehensive scheme of service, the amendments seek to optimize the office’s functionality and efficiency.
President Ruto’s assent to this bill underscores the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and effective governance.
The renaming of Utamaduni Day to Mazingira Day reflects a progressive shift towards prioritizing environmental conservation, while the reforms in the Attorney-General’s office aim to enhance institutional capacity and service delivery.
As Kenya embarks on a path towards a greener and more robust legal framework, the assent to the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the nation’s legislative journey.
