The National Assembly has commenced the process of reconsidering two Bills legislation following their referral by President William Ruto, who returned the Bills with reservations as provided for under Article 115 of the Constitution.

Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, while conveying the presidential messages to the House, confirmed that the National Land Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Cancer Prevention and Control (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 45 of 2022) had been returned to Parliament for further scrutiny.

“In the Messages, His Excellency the President conveys that pursuant to the provisions of Article 115(1)(b) of the Constitution, he has considered the National Land Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and referred it back to the National Assembly for reconsideration, expressing reservations on Clauses 2 and 3 of the Bill,” said the Speaker.

The President also expressed reservations on Clauses 2, 3, and 4 of the Cancer Prevention and Control (Amendment) Bill, recommending specific amendments for the House to consider.

The National Land Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023 which was passed by the National Assembly on 13th March 2025 seeks to refine the operations of the National Land Commission, particularly in relation to land administration and management.

The Cancer Prevention and Control (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, which was passed by both Houses of Parliament on 15th April 2024, aims to strengthen Kenya’s legal framework for cancer prevention, treatment, and control. The President’s reservations touch on technical and policy issues aimed at enhancing the law’s effectiveness.

Speaker Wetang’ula directed that the President’s reservations and accompanying memoranda be referred to the relevant House Committees for expeditious consideration.

“The Message from His Excellency the President, together with the Memorandum on the National Land Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023, are hereby referred to the Departmental Committee on Lands. The Memorandum on the Cancer Prevention and Control (Amendment) Bill has been referred to the Departmental Committee on Health,” he announced.

The Committees are expected to prioritise the Bills and table their reports within 21 days, as required under Standing Order 154(2), to enable the House to consider and vote on the President’s proposed amendments.

“Upon conclusion of consideration of the President’s Reservations to the Cancer Prevention and Control (Amendment) Bill, I will transmit the decision of the National Assembly to the Senate for reconsideration,” the Speaker added.