The National Assembly of Kenya is calling on the public and various stakeholders to submit their views and comments on three crucial bills currently under consideration.
The Bills seek to amend significant financial and procurement laws and are open for public participation before their next stages of review.
The three bills under consideration include the Public Finance Management (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 44 of 2024), the Public Finance Management (Amendment) (No. 4) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 45 of 2024) and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 48 of 2024).
The public has been invited to submit written memoranda to the Clerk of the National Assembly by email at [email protected].
The submissions must be made by Friday 22 November 2024, at 5 pm.
The call for public engagement follows the requirements of Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution of Kenya, which mandates Parliament to facilitate public participation in the legislative process.
Additionally, the National Assembly Standing Orders require House Committees to ensure public involvement in the consideration of bills.
These provisions reflect Parliament's commitment to ensuring that the voices of citizens and stakeholders are heard in shaping laws that directly affect governance and public finance.
The Public Finance Management (Amendment) (No 3) Bill (National Assembly Bill No 44 of 2024) Sponsored by the Leader of the Majority Party seeks to amend the Public Finance Management Act, Cap. 412A.
It aims to streamline the financing of transferred functions between the national and county governments, as stipulated in the Constitution.
Notably, the Bill proposes that transferred functions will continue to be funded by the original sources in the approved budgets of the transferring government.
The Public Finance Management (Amendment) (No 4) Bill (National Assembly Bill No 45 of 2024) seeks to make important clarifications to the Public Finance Management Act (Cap. 412A).
It aims to ensure that the Cabinet Secretary of the National Treasury enforces compliance with the debt threshold requirements and to establish a clear framework for the implementation of accrual accounting and risk management within the public sector.
The Bill is designed to improve fiscal management and accountability at all levels of government.
The Public Procurement and Asset Disposal (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No 48 of 2024) introduced by Molo MP Kuria Kimani seeks to amend the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act (Cap. 412C).
Among its key provisions, the Bill introduces new definitions and rules around procurement, including stricter guidelines for foreign procurement contracts and the introduction of a technology and knowledge transfer framework.
It mandates that county treasuries prioritise the procurement of goods and services manufactured locally, and ensures that procurement processes give preference to Kenyan firms and local contractors, especially when county governments fund projects.
Other proposed changes include measures to improve the accountability and quality of procurement practices and to establish penalties for non-compliance.
As part of the public participation process, the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning will hold public hearings on the Bills.
The hearings will take place on Friday, November 22, 2024, and Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Mini Chamber, 1st Floor, County Hall, Parliament Buildings from 10 am to 5 pm.
During the forums, the public will have the opportunity to present their views on the proposed changes and to engage with the committee on the implications of the bills.
Interested parties are encouraged to submit their views in writing, indicating their name, contact details, and the specific Bill they are addressing.
The National Assembly encourages broad participation from all sectors of society, including civil society organisations, the private sector, and individual citizens, to ensure that the final versions of these bills reflect the diverse views and needs of the Kenyan public.
