The Budget and Appropriations Committee reviews new legislative proposals aimed at sectoral growth and reform

The Budget and Appropriations Committee reviews new legislative proposals aimed at sectoral growth and reform

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.

The Budget and Appropriations Committee, chaired by Hon. Samuel Atandi (Alego Usonga), has officially received a series of Legislative Proposals from Members of Parliament, each seeking to address critical gaps in different sectors of the economy and public service.

Hon. Gitonga Mukunji (Manyatta) presented the Macadamia Development Bill, 2024, a proposed law aimed at regulating the production, processing, marketing, and promotion of macadamia in Kenya. The Bill also recommends the creation of the Macadamia Development Board of Kenya to spearhead industry oversight and advancement.

“Our macadamia industry has immense potential, and it is high time we organized it through legislation,” stated Hon. Mukunji. “This Bill will ensure that farmers, processors, and marketers work within a structured framework that boosts exports and local incomes.”

Hon. Caroli Omondi (Suba South) submitted two key proposals. The first, the Registration of Persons (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to introduce a national program for registering secondary school students eligible for Identification Cards (IDs) at no cost.

“Registering students who turn 18 while still in school provides significant benefits for both the country and the students,” said Hon. Omondi during the presentation. “It grants them legal recognition and access to essential services such as government aid, scholarship applications, and where eligible, voter registration.”

The second proposal, the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduces a new Section 7A to the Citizenship and Immigration Act (Cap 170), which would allow individuals born outside Kenya but of Kenyan descent to acquire citizenship by ancestry. The proposed conditions include verification of lineage, a clean criminal record, financial self-sufficiency, and the ability to contribute to Kenya’s development through investment or similar ventures.

Meanwhile, Hon. (Dr) Wilberforce Oundo (Funyula) introduced the Textile and Apparel Industry Development Bill, 2024, which provides a regulatory framework to strengthen linkages between raw material producers, manufacturers, and retailers.

“This Bill will catalyze growth in our textile sector, improve local production, and reduce our dependency on second-hand imports,” said Hon. Oundo. It also proposes establishing the Textile and Apparel Development Authority of Kenya and a new Textile and Apparel Levy on imports and exports of textiles and related goods.

Hon. Brighton Yegon (Konoin) tabled the Records and Archives Management Professional Bill, 2024, which seeks to professionalize and regulate the field of records and archives management. The Bill proposes forming the Institute of Records and Archives Management and a governing Council to ensure professional standards and oversight.

"Currently, there is no legislation that provides for the regulation of records and archives management professionals," said Hon. Yegon. “This Bill fills that gap and recognizes the critical role of this profession in both the public and private sectors.”

The Budget and Appropriations Committee will now review all submitted proposals and issue recommendations on whether to approve or reject each, following thorough scrutiny and stakeholder engagement.