The Regional Development Authorities Laws (Repeal) Bill, 2026
Status Timeline
Proposed
Active now
Public Review
Pending
Debate
Pending
Executive
Pending
Final
Pending
Six Regional Development Authorities Dissolved
The Bill repeals the establishing Acts for the Kerio Valley (Cap. 441), Lake Basin (Cap. 442), Tana and Athi Rivers (Cap. 443), Ewaso Ng'iro South (Cap. 447), Ewaso Ng'iro North (Cap. 448), and Coast Development Authority (Cap. 449) to align functions with county governments and reduce budgetary strain.
National Treasury to Assume All Assets and Liabilities
On the transition date, all assets, liabilities, loans, credit facilities, collaterals, and contracts of the former authorities transfer to the State Department for the National Treasury. Pending legal proceedings will also continue under the State Department.
Employees Transferred to Public Service Commission
All active employees of the dissolved authorities will transition to the Public Service Commission. The Bill guarantees terms and conditions of service no less favorable than their previous employment, preserving their service continuity for pension and retirement benefits.
Transitional Directives within Thirty Days
The Cabinet Secretary responsible for the National Treasury and Economic Planning is required to issue transitional directives within 30 days of commencement to manage the transfer of records, databases, and the winding up of each authority.
Bill No.
No. 31 of 2026
Gazette No.
Supplement No. 135 of 2026
Sponsor
Kimani Ichung'wah
Background
The Regional Development Authorities Laws (Repeal) Bill, 2026, aims to dissolve Kenya's six regional development authorities. According to the memorandum of objects and reasons, this dissolution is designed to align national and county government functions under the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, reduce pressure on budgetary allocations, and enhance service delivery efficiency and institutional accountability.
Key Amendments
The Bill repeals the following primary Acts in their entirety:
- The Kerio Valley Development Authority Act (Cap. 441)
- The Lake Basin Development Authority Act (Cap. 442)
- The Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority Act (Cap. 443)
- The Ewaso Ng'iro South River Basin Development Authority Act (Cap. 447)
- The Ewaso Ng'iro North River Basin Development Authority Act (Cap. 448)
- The Coast Development Authority Act (Cap. 449)
New Obligations
- Cabinet Secretary Directives: The Cabinet Secretary responsible for the National Treasury and Economic Planning must issue directives within 30 days of the Act's commencement to prescribe the exact procedure for transferring assets, liabilities, rights, and records, and winding up the affairs of the authorities.
Transitional Provisions
- Transfer of Assets and Liabilities: All assets, obligations, and contracts active before the transition date will transfer directly to the State Department for the National Treasury. Any pending legal proceedings will continue by or against the State Department.
- Transfer of Employees: Employees of the former authorities will be absorbed by the Public Service Commission on terms and conditions that are at least equal to those they enjoyed prior to the transition. Service history will remain continuous for pension and gratuity evaluations.
- Savings: Orders or notices issued under the repealed laws that are active prior to the transition date will remain valid until amended or revoked by the Cabinet Secretary.
Gazettement
The Regional Development Authorities Laws (Repeal) Bill, 2026 was published in Kenya Gazette No. 135.
Gazettement
The Regional Development Authorities Laws (Repeal) Bill, 2026 was published in Kenya Gazette No. 135.
First Reading
The Bill was read a First Time in the National Assembly.