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The year 2024 proved to be a tough period in Kenya’s legislative and governance landscape, marked by a series of controversial laws, bills, and deals that sparked widespread debate, protests, and government action.
From proposed tax increases to high-stakes international deals, these initiatives significantly shaped public discourse, underscoring deep concerns about transparency, governance, and national priorities.
JKIA-Adani Lease
The controversial lease agreement with Adani Airport Holdings aimed to modernise Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for $2 billion.
The whistleblower behind the controversial Adani deal involving Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is Nelson Amenya.
He is a 30-year-old MBA student currently studying in France. Amenya gained popularity by spilling critical details about the proposed 30-year management contract between the government and India's Adani Group, which he claims could have severe financial implications for Kenya and its taxpayers
This deal faced backlash from the Kenya Airport Workers Union, and Kenyans, leading to significant protests over job security concerns and transparency questions regarding the proposals.
President Ruto announced the cancellation of this deal in November 2024 during his State of the Nation address.
This followed the indictment of Indian billionaire Gautam Adani by US authorities for his alleged role in a $265 million bribery scheme
KETRACO-Adani Deal
Another contentious agreement was with Adani Energy Solutions, which proposed a Sh127 billion project to develop key transmission lines and substations in Kenya.
The deal was met with skepticism and protests from various stakeholders, culminating in Ruto's decision to cancel it alongside the JKIA lease.
Finance Bill 2024
This bill aimed to increase taxes on essential commodities amidst a struggling economy, leading to widespread protests across the country.
The backlash was severe enough that it resulted in protests, deaths and invasion of Parliament.
In response to public pressure, Ruto eventually withdrew the bill but introduced some amendments to existing financial legislation in December 2024.
Social Health Authority (SHA) Deal
The government partnered with telecommunications firms, including Safaricom, to implement a Social Health Insurance Fund scheme.
While the investment was significant at Sh104 billion, it raised questions about its efficacy and value amid ongoing challenges in Kenya's healthcare system.
Term Limits Extension Bill
The bill to increase term limits for elected officials in Kenya, formally known as the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposed extending the terms of the President, governors, members of Parliament, and other elected officials from five years to seven years.
Sponsored by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, the bill aimed to amend Article 136 of the Constitution, which currently stipulates a maximum of two terms of five years for the presidency.
Critics, including members of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), labeled the bill as "repugnant and backward."
UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar distanced the party from the initiative, emphasising that it did not represent their views.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) also condemned the bill, arguing it threatened democracy and should be rejected outright.
Following the public hearings and widespread criticism, the Senate Committee formally rejected the bill.
Mung Beans Bill, 2022
The Mung Beans Bill, 2022, which aimed to regulate the production, processing, and marketing of mung beans (commonly known as 'ndengu') in Kenya, was rejected by the National Assembly on September 25, 2024, during its second reading.
Although initially passed in 2022, this bill continued to face scrutiny in 2024 due to its implications for agricultural policy and food security.
The proposal faced significant public backlash, with many stakeholders arguing that it imposed unnecessary restrictions on farmers and would hinder the growth of the mung bean sector.
Critics expressed fears that the licensing requirements could stifle smallholder farmers' ability to market their produce effectively.
Assumption of Office of President and Transition of Executive Authority Bill, 2024
The Assumption of Office of President and Transition of Executive Authority Bill, 2024 was recently approved by the Cabinet on December 17, 2024.
This legislation aims to create a structured and unified framework for the transition of presidential power, addressing various gaps in the current processes.
The bill imposes significant penalties on state and public officers who obstruct the transition process.
Offenders could face fines of up to Sh10 million or imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. This aims to deter any actions that could hinder a smooth transfer of power.
It guarantees that the President-elect and Deputy President-elect will receive security arrangements equivalent to those of the sitting President and Deputy President, ensuring their safety during the transition period.
The bill includes provisions for scenarios where the outgoing President cannot attend the swearing-in ceremony.
In such cases, it allows for the omission of the handover of instruments of power without affecting the validity of the swearing-in process.
To ensure that government functions continue smoothly, Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries will remain in their positions until new appointments are made by the incoming administration.
The transition of executive authority will be considered complete when key officials, including the President, Deputy President, Attorney-General, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and Secretary to the Cabinet assume office.
The bill provides for the establishment of a Transition Centre to facilitate the transition process and outlines the role of the President-elect in nominating members to the Assumption of Office Committee.
Animal Vaccination Program
The Animal Vaccination Program in Kenya is set to commence in January 2025, with the government aiming to vaccinate 22 million cattle against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and 50 million sheep and goats against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).
This initiative, championed by President William Ruto, is designed to control livestock diseases that have historically caused significant economic losses for farmers and the national economy.
However, the drive has sparked controversy, drawing criticism from political leaders and sections of the public.
At the forefront of the opposition is Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who has urged Kenyans to reject the initiative.
Musyoka alleges that foreign research institutions backing the program aim to introduce gene-modifying drugs that could alter livestock genetics, potentially causing defects in future generations.
He further accuses the government of undermining traditional livestock farming in favor of synthetic meat alternatives, framing it as an attack on local agricultural practices.
Concerns about vaccine safety have also emerged among farmers, with some fearing potential harm to their animals or a decline in livestock quality.
Environmental concerns have also been raised, with critics suggesting the vaccines could influence livestock emissions and climate change. Musyoka highlighted that similar vaccines have been rejected in other nations due to their environmental implications.
In defense, President William Ruto has championed the program, stressing its importance for disease control and enhancing access to global markets for livestock products.
He dismissed opposition claims as baseless and called on farmers to support the initiative, emphasising the vaccines' safety and local production. The government is pushing for broad participation to ensure effective disease management across the livestock sector.