Utamaduni Day Transitions to Mazingira Day as October 10 Holiday Renamed

President William Ruto's recent assent to the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, 2024 has introduced a series of significant changes across 16 Acts of Parliament.

This reflects a proactive stance toward environmental protection, conservation, and streamlining various governance mechanisms. One of the notable amendments pertains to the former Utamaduni Day which has now been renamed Mazingira Day. Commencing on October 10th of each year, this dedicated occasion will serve as a platform for all Kenyans to actively engage in environmental conservation efforts such as tree planting and nurturing. This initiative aligns with the government's ambitious ten-year plan to plant an astonishing fifteen billion trees encompassing restoration efforts in forests, wetlands, and rangelands.

Furthermore, the Bill addresses crucial aspects of human resource management within the Attorney-General's office. The Office of the Attorney-General Act has been amended to establish an advisory board responsible for recommending appointments and promotions of deputy solicitors-general and State counsel. This board comprises key stakeholders, including the Attorney-General (as chairperson), Principal Secretaries of Public Service and the National Treasury, the Public Service Commission chairperson, the Law Society of Kenya President, and the chair of the Council of the Institute of Human Resource Management.

This move aims to rectify the issue of inadequate personnel which has hindered the office's effective functioning due to poor terms of employment for State counsel and the absence of a comprehensive scheme of service for officers. In the realm of traffic management, the Traffic Act has undergone amendments to incorporate technology in the management of minor traffic offences, enhancing efficiency and streamlining enforcement processes. Economic considerations have also been addressed through the revision of the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act, which now excludes denatured ethanol from the list of VAT-exempt supplies.

Additionally, the amendment exempts the supply of gas meters from VAT aiming to improve access to clean energy for low-income households. Recognizing the importance of national security, the Universities Act now grants the President the authority to establish specialized degree-awarding institutions focused on national security matters, enhancing expertise and capacity in critical areas. Complementing this, the National Intelligence Service has been granted an exemption from the application of the Employment Act, aligning with similar exemptions granted to other national security organs.