Nairobi, Kenya – President William Ruto on Friday signed three important Bills into law at State House, Nairobi, marking significant reforms in the coffee industry, railway infrastructure, and meteorological services in Kenya.
The legislations enacted are:
Miscellaneous Fees and Levies (Amendment) Act, 2026
Coffee Act, 2023 (Mediated Version)
Meteorology Act, 2023
Coffee Act, 2023 – Revitalizing the Coffee Sector
The Coffee Act, 2023 transfers regulatory and commercial roles from the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) to the Coffee Board of Kenya, which will now oversee the development, promotion, and regulation of the coffee industry.
The board’s functions include:
Processing permits and licence applications
Registering coffee dealers
Developing policies, strategies, and funding models
Collecting and analysing industry data
Conducting market intelligence and surveys
Promoting Kenyan coffee locally and internationally
Supporting the Kenya Coffee Mark of Origin
Establishing regional coffee appellations and facilitating technology transfer to counties
The Act also establishes a Coffee Research and Training Institute, which will advance research, improve production technologies, coordinate studies on coffee diseases, and train industry players.
Miscellaneous Fees and Levies (Amendment) Act, 2026 – Expanding Railway Financing
The amendment to the Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Act expands the Railway Development Levy to fund broader railway infrastructure projects beyond the Standard Gauge Railway.
Key provisions include:
Establishing the Railway Development Levy Fund for proper management and allocation
Authorising the fund to support railway safety, regulation, and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure
Creating the Railway Development Fund Board, a corporate body responsible for oversight, strategic planning, budget approval, and ensuring resources are used efficiently
The move aims to mobilise sustainable financing for strategic railway transport infrastructure in line with government policy.
Meteorology Act, 2023 – Strengthening Weather Services
The Meteorology Act, 2023 establishes a legal framework for meteorological services in Kenya and ensures compliance with international standards under the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation and UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.
Key features include:
Creation of the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority, which will advise national and county governments, manage meteorological data, and issue early warnings for disaster risk reduction
Establishment of the Meteorology Training and Research Directorate as a World Meteorological Organisation Regional Training Centre
Authority to register weather stations, conduct research, and protect intellectual property generated by the Authority
Provisions for offences that could hinder effective meteorological services
The new law is expected to enhance Kenya’s disaster preparedness, weather forecasting capabilities, and climate research infrastructure.
