Faith Masita
Kenya’s coffee industry, railway infrastructure financing and meteorological services are set for major reforms after President William Ruto signed three significant Bills into law at State House Nairobi.
The newly enacted laws the Miscellaneous Fees and Levies (Amendment) Act, 2026, the Coffee Act, 2023 (Mediated Version), and the Meteorology Act, 2023 are expected to strengthen sector regulation, expand infrastructure funding mechanisms and improve coordination of critical national services.
The Coffee Act 2023 introduces sweeping reforms to revitalize the country’s coffee sector by establishing the Coffee Board of Kenya, which will oversee regulation and promotion of the industry.
The law also creates the Coffee Research and Training Institute, a body expected to spearhead research, innovation and farmer training to enhance productivity and sustainability in the sector.
Meanwhile, the Miscellaneous Fees and Levies (Amendment) Act 2026 broadens the scope of the Railway Development Levy, allowing the funds to support railway infrastructure beyond the Standard Gauge Railway.
Under the new law, the Railway Development Fund Board will be established to oversee the administration and management of the Railway Development Levy Fund, with the aim of strengthening financing and improving oversight of railway infrastructure projects.
The President also signed the Meteorology Act 2023, which establishes a comprehensive legal framework to regulate meteorological services in the country.
The law will guide the coordination and delivery of weather and climate-related services, ensuring improved regulation and better access to accurate meteorological information across sectors.
The enactment of the three laws marks a significant step in strengthening institutional frameworks in key sectors that are critical to Kenya’s economic development and service delivery.
