President William Ruto has assented to three bills aimed at strengthening civil registration, streamlining crop regulation and professionalising social work.
In an update on Thursday, February 19, the Head of State said he signed into law the Births and Registration (Amendment) Bill (2024), the Pyrethrum Repeal Bill (2024), and the Social Work Professionals Bill (2023).
Ruto noted that the Births and Registration (Amendment) Bill is intended to improve access to registration services nationwide by ensuring the establishment of at least one birth and deaths registration office in every sub-county.
President Ruto assigns laws boosting civil records, agriculture oversight and social work. Photo: Courtesy.
He added that the Pyrethrum Repeal Bill will support agricultural reforms by harmonising the management of strategic crops under a single legal framework.
On the regulation of the social work profession, Ruto said the new law will establish institutions to oversee standards and professional practice in the sector.
He explained that the Social Work Professionals Bill will create the Institute of Social Work Professionals and the Social Work Professionals Board, which will be responsible for regulating and guiding the profession in the country.
Elsewhere, the development comes days after President Ruto dismissed claims that the national government is taking over functions of the Nairobi County Government.
Speaking during the signing of a cooperation agreement between the two levels of government on Tuesday, February 17, Ruto said the move was not a transfer of devolved functions but a partnership aimed at improving service delivery in the capital.
He explained that the agreement is anchored in the Constitution and existing legal frameworks that guide collaboration between national and county governments, including the Intergovernmental Relations Act and the Urban Areas and Cities Act.
Ruto also announced a multi-billion shilling investment in Nairobi’s street lighting programme, noting that the initiative will improve safety, support business growth and modernise infrastructure across the city.
Ruto further instructed the Interior Ministry to set up a specialised metropolitan police unit aimed at enhancing security and improving safety across Nairobi.
