The past few weeks have brought a busy stretch of legislative and regulatory change. Some of it may already affect how you operate. Here is what you need to know, in under two minutes.
1. Four Bills are now law
The Kenya National Council for Population and Development Bill, the Public Finance Management (Amendment) (No. 4) Bill, the Trust Administration Bill and the Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Bill have received assent and are now Acts of Parliament.
Why it matters: Trustees, public-sector counterparties and aviation operators should check whether these Acts change their obligations.
2. Kenya backs a new route for international dispute resolution
The National Assembly has approved ratification of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation. The Convention covers consensual State-to-State, investor-State and international commercial disputes.
Why it matters: Cross-border investors and contracting parties may gain a further mediation option alongside arbitration and litigation.
3. Access Bank (Kenya) to transfer to National Bank of Kenya
The Central Bank of Kenya and the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury have approved the transfer of Access Bank (Kenya) PLC’s business, assets and liabilities to National Bank of Kenya Limited, subject to completion of the transaction.
Why it matters: Customers, borrowers and counterparties should review their facilities, security documents and banking arrangements before completion.
4. Political affiliation and trade-union membership may become sensitive personal data
The ODPC has invited comments on adding political affiliation and trade-union membership as categories of sensitive personal data.
Why it matters: Employers, HR teams and data-driven businesses could face stricter processing requirements. This is your chance to shape the outcome.
5. KRA’s electronic-seal switchover: the deadline has passed
KRA is moving to a multi-vendor, user-owned electronic-seal model under RECTS. KRA-owned seals were to be phased out by 26 October 2026.
Why it matters: Transporters, importers and logistics operators should confirm they have moved to compliant user-owned seals to avoid disruption at the border.
6. Have your say on new technical regulations
The government has issued Regulatory Impact Statements for the proposed Product Certification, Scientific and Industrial Metrology, and Hydrologists Regulations. Stakeholders are invited to send written memoranda within the stated consultation periods.
Why it matters: Manufacturers, laboratories and water-sector professionals can influence the rules before they are finalised.
The full details are in the attached newsletter.
Not sure where your business stands?
Our team can assess how these changes affect your operations and help you prepare a timely, practical response. Simply reply to this email or contact us to arrange a consultation.