The National Assembly has scheduled a countrywide public participation exercise on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, National Assembly Bill No. 4 of 2025.
The proposed legislation seeks to entrench key government funding mechanisms namely, the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), and the proposed Senate Oversight Fund, into the Constitution.
Speaker of the National Assembly Rt Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula said the House Business Committee (HBC) and the National Assembly General Legislative Caucus resolved to hold a public participation exercise across all counties and constituencies from May 5 to May 7, 2025.
“As observed by our courts, amending a country’s constitution more so our Constitution should be a sacrosanct public undertaking, and it processes must be undertaken very transparently and in strict compliance with the country’s Supreme Law,” Speaker Wetang’ula said in his communication to the House.
Article 256 of the Kenyan Constitution outlines the process for amending the constitution through parliamentary initiative.
This process involves Parliament introducing a Bill to amend the constitution, which is then considered by both Houses of Parliament.
The Bill must be publicized and open for public discussion, and after passage by Parliament, it is submitted to the President for assent and publication.
“It is for this reason that we must therefore conduct a granular public participation exercise on this constitution of Kenya, Amendment Bill 2025,” the Speaker stated.
The Speaker further announced that the House Business Committee (HBC) and the National Assembly General Legislative Caucus had resolved to expand public participation on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, National Assembly Bill No. 4 of 2025.
He explained that in addition to receiving written memoranda and engaging key stakeholders, the public participation exercise will be extended to all counties and constituencies to ensure that the majority of Kenyans have an opportunity to express their views on the proposed amendments.
Regarding administrative arrangements, the Speaker confirmed that the nationwide public participation will be conducted from Monday, May 5 to Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
“Consequently, I now direct the Clerk to publish the full schedule of the public participation program in print and electronic media on Monday, April 21, 2025, for the benefit of the public. Honorable Members, I urge all of you to take part and provide leadership in this noble national exercise,” he said.
The Speaker further directed the Clerk to convene a Kamukunji on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, where Members of Parliament will be briefed on the modalities and logistical arrangements for conducting the exercise across all counties and constituencies.
He reminded MPs that their constituency offices are designated Parliament offices and will serve as the official venues for the public hearings.
“I do not want to hear that any of you have taken public participation to hotel rooms, shops, or behind bars in the villages — that will not be acceptable. Use your official offices. These are Parliament offices. I thank you for your cooperation in advance,” he emphasized.