President William Ruto/PCSPresident William Ruto has declined to assent to the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023, referring it back to the National Assembly for reconsideration.
In a formal communication to the House on Tuesday, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula informed MPs that the President had returned the Bill with reservations, in line with Article 115(1)(b) of the Constitution.
“His Excellency the President conveys that, pursuant to the provisions of Article 115(1)(b) of the Constitution, he has considered the Bill and referred it back to the National Assembly for reconsideration, expressing reservations on Clause 2 of the Bill,” said Wetang’ula.
The Bill, sponsored by Lamu East MP Ruweida Obo, sought to amend the Third Schedule of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013.
Specifically, it sought to amend Part A of the Schedule by inserting new words to include sharks, stone fish, whales and stingrays among the wildlife species in respect of which compensation as a result of death and injury may be paid.
The amendment aims to clarify and potentially expand the scope of wildlife conservation and management practices within Kenya.
This is to ensure that persons who live along with water bodies are entitled to payment of compensation as a result of death and injury from the specified wildlife species.
This, Obo said, will ensure that persons who live along with water bodies are entitled to payment of compensation as a result of death and injury from the specified wildlife species.
The President has, however, proposed amendments to the contested clause and has also introduced a new provision, prompting the House to reopen discussions on the legislation.
The Wildlife Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill was initially passed by the National Assembly on June 18, 2025, and was subsequently presented to the President for assent.
As required by parliamentary procedure, the President’s Memorandum has been committed to the Departmental Committee on Tourism and Wildlife for detailed consideration.
The committee is expected to prioritise the matter and table its report in good time, given that Standing Order 154(2) mandates the House to consider the President’s reservations within 21 days of receiving the memorandum.
Wetang’ula also reminded members that the process would follow the guidelines set out in his earlier communication of July 28, 2025, regarding the handling of presidential reservations and related amendments.
“The Clerk is hereby directed to circulate the President’s Memorandum to all members so that they can familiarise themselves with its contents,” the Speaker said.
