The circulation of fraudulent bills poses a serious risk to Kenya’s governance and public trust, the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sam Njoroge, has warned.
Speaking at a KEPSA-National Assembly roundtable in Mombasa, themed “From Policy to Practice: Delivering through business and government partners,” he said misinformation around legislation could undermine both government initiatives and economic reforms.
Njoroge revealed that soon after President William Ruto assented to new laws, fake versions containing misleading clauses began spreading online, creating confusion and panic among the public.
“It pained us and we had no space to explain,” he said on Friday, adding that many citizens continue to believe these falsified bills.
He provided several examples of distorted legislation. One law authored by MP Simon King’ara aimed to safeguard public land from illegal grabbing by ensuring parcels reserved for public use are properly registered.
A fake version, however, falsely claimed the law would impose taxes on freehold land. Similarly, a bill by Suna West MP Peter Masara, designed to provide psychosocial support to police officers, was distorted online to suggest it would cut their salaries.
Njoroge highlighted the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, as another key law that has been misrepresented.
“There are six entities in court on matters that were not in the bill,” he said.
The High Court recently suspended major provisions of the law, including sections addressing cyber harassment, following a constitutional challenge that argued they could limit freedom of expression.
Calling for collective responsibility, the clerk said, “This country belongs to all of us. And if it flips because of fake news, it will burn with all of us.” He emphasized the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting KEPSA in ensuring collaborative governance succeeds despite the threats posed by misinformation.
The roundtable further highlighted the delicate balance between harnessing government-business partnerships for economic growth and safeguarding legislative integrity. Njoroge noted that Kenya is moving from an “era of surprises to one of engagement,” signaling a new phase in governance.
Describing the partnership with KEPSA as a “marriage,” Njoroge stressed that private sector expertise is now directly influencing lawmaking.
“This year’s theme is a timely reminder that progress is achieved when ideas are transformed into deliverable impact,” he said.
He also confirmed that lawmakers from committees such as Finance, Communication, Health, and Trade have been actively collaborating with private sector representatives.
KEPSA, through its Public Finance Sector Board, has held consultations with Parliament, especially the Finance and National Planning Committee, to shape the Finance Bill 2025. The goal is to create a law that balances government revenue needs with a business-friendly environment, promoting investment and sustainable growth.
