The Senate has invited Kenyans to submit their memoranda (views) on the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill, 2024 (Senate Bills No. 36 of 2024).

The bill, to provide a framework for the regulation of the conduct of public fundraising appeals (harambees), was read a First Time in the Senate on Thursday, August 1.

A statement from Senate Clerk J.M Nyegenye says members of the public should submit any representations that they may have on the Bill by way of written memoranda, on or before Friday, August 30 2024 at 5 pm.

“The memoranda may be submitted to the Clerk of the Senate, P.O. Box 41842-00100, Nairobi, hand-delivered to the Office of the Clerk of the Senate, Main Parliament Buildings, Nairobi or emailed to [email protected] and copied to [email protected] to be received on or before Friday, 30th August, 2024 at 5.00 p.m,” the statement reads in part.

The Bill seeks to replace the Public Collections Act (Cap. 106) whose architecture does not fully comply with the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. The Act is also not sufficiently robust in addressing corruption tendencies that are sometimes associated with public fundraising appeals.

Further, the Act excludes from its purview charitable and religious purposes, yet these form a large component of fundraising appeals.

The Bill therefore seeks to promote transparency and accountability in the carrying out of fundraising appeals, to provide for persons who may conduct fundraising appeals and to regulate the participation of State and public officers in fundraising appeals.

This invitation for public views on the Bill is in accordance with the provisions of Article 118 of the Constitution and standing order 145 (5) of the Senate Standing Orders.

“In addition, the Committee will hold a public hearing on the Bill on Monday, 26th August, 2024 at 10.00 a.m. in the Mini Chamber, First Floor, County Hall Building, Nairobi. Members of the public are welcome to attend this hearing.”