Quick Answer
Parliament is Kenya’s law-making arm. It has two houses — the National Assembly and the Senate — and a proposed law (a Bill) must pass set stages, including public participation, before the President signs it into law.
Key facts
- Parliament has two houses: the National Assembly and the Senate.
- A proposed law is called a Bill.
- Bills affecting counties must pass both houses.
- The President signs a Bill into law — or refers it back.
The two houses of Parliament
Kenya’s Parliament is bicameral: the National Assembly makes national law, approves national taxes and budgets, and oversees the national government; the Senate represents the counties, protects devolution and decides how revenue is shared among counties. Some laws need only the National Assembly; others need both houses.
How a Bill becomes law
A proposed law moves through set stages:
- First reading — the Bill is formally introduced.
- Committee and public participation — a committee examines it and the public gives views.
- Second reading — the House debates its principles.
- Committee stage — the Bill is gone through and amended.
- Third reading — the final version is passed.
Bills concerning counties must pass both houses; money Bills are introduced only in the National Assembly.
Presidential assent
Once Parliament passes a Bill, the President has 14 days to assent (sign it into law) or refer it back with reservations (Article 115). Parliament can amend the Bill to meet those reservations, or pass it again unchanged with a two-thirds majority — after which the President must assent within seven days.
Why this matters to you
Every law that governs you — taxes, services, rights — is made here, and the public-participation stage is your built-in entry point to influence it before it passes.
Frequently asked questions
How many houses does Kenya’s Parliament have?
Two — the National Assembly and the Senate.
What is a Bill?
A proposed law, which becomes law only after passing Parliament and receiving presidential assent.
Can the President reject a law?
The President can refer a Bill back, but Parliament can re-pass it with a two-thirds majority, forcing assent.
Sources & references
- Constitution of Kenya 2010, Chapter Eight (The Legislature), Articles 93–95 and 109–116 — klrc.go.ke