Most Controversial Bills signed by President Ruto in 2023

Since he took over power after the August 2022 general elections, president William Ruto has signed into law several Bills that caused an uproar among Kenyans.

For instance, in June 2023, President William Ruto signed the controversial Finance Bill 2023 into law, after it was approved by the National Assembly.

The Finance Bill 2023 faced a lot of resistance from Kenyans as Azimio leader led anti-government protests, calling for the rejection of the Bill in totality.

According to Raila, the Bill was suggesting introduction of additional taxes such as the 3 percent housing levy, before it was amended to 1.5 percent.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga (left) with President William Ruto at a past event. Photo: The Standard

President William Ruto worked hard in convincing Kenyans to accept some of the proposals in the Finance Bill.

The bill for example increased the fuel levy from 8 to 16 percent, leading to increased fuel prices at a time when Kenyans were struggling with the high cost of living.

After a heated debate, 184 MPs voted to support passing of the Finance Bill 2023 while 88 MPs opposed it.

Another controversial Bill that faced criticism among Kenyans is the Privatisation Bill 2023. The Bill was signed into law by President William Ruto on October 9 at Sate House, Nairobi.

The Privatization Bill 2023 repealed the Privatization Act 2005, which was enacted before the implementation of the current constitution of Kenya.

It was sponsored by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, with a revised regulatory framework for privatizing public government parastatals and other entities.

According to Ichung’wah the Bill was aimed at improving service delivery and generating additional revenue for the government.

After President Ruto signed the Bill into law, the government announced the sale of 11 public parastatals.

Parastatals listed for sale included Kenya Seed Company, Kenya Literature Bureau, and Kenya Pipeline Company as institutions that play a key role in the country’s economy.

Other parastatals advertised for sale include Kenyatta International Convention Centre, National Oil Corporation, Mwea Rice Mills, Western Kenya Rice Mills Limited, New Kenya Cooperative Creameries, Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers Limited, Rivatex East Africa Limited and Numerical Machining Complex.

From right is governor Stephen Sang, James Orengo, President William Ruto and other leaders during a meeting in India on December 4, 2023. Photo: William Ruto/X

The president also signed Facility Improvement Financing Bill 2023 into law that seeks to institute safeguards to ensure that funds generated in public health facilities are exclusively allocated to health-related purposes.

The law also seeks to enhance the role of Community Health Promoters in delivering community-based primary healthcare services.

It also proposes a mandatory monthly contribution of 2.75 percent to be deducted from Kenyan employees’ salaries for healthcare coverage. The law sets Ksh300 as minimum and a maximum of Ksh5,000 towards the healthcare kitty that replaces NHIF.