Directorate Rolls Out Strategic Plan to Safeguard Key Laws from Judicial Annulment

The Directorate of Litigation and Compliance Services in the National Assembly has initiated the rollout of a strategic framework aimed at protecting progressive legislation from being overturned by courts due to avoidable legal and procedural flaws.

The initiative emerged during an ongoing workshop convened to review and finalize the Directorate’s Operational Manual.

Speaking during a session led by former Nyeri County MP Hon. Priscilla Nyokabi, participants emphasized the importance of timely and strategic post-legislative review processes in strengthening the quality and durability of laws enacted by Parliament.

Hon. Nyokabi, a human and women’s rights consultant and former Executive Director of Kituo Cha Sheria, noted that several progressive laws had previously been invalidated by courts over technical shortcomings that could have been identified and addressed during the legislative process.

Officers from the Directorate observed that institutionalizing routine post-legislation and post-litigation reviews would help identify weaknesses early, preserve sound laws, and minimize unnecessary legislative repetition resulting from court annulments.

They further noted that such reviews would enhance efficiency and reduce the financial and administrative burden associated with reintroducing legislation struck down by the judiciary.

The workshop, attended by officers from the Directorate of Legal Services and the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly, also underscored the need to strengthen public participation and deepen citizen involvement in parliamentary processes.

“Citizen involvement goes beyond public participation because it creates a more engaged electorate that actively appreciates and contributes to the work Parliament undertakes on behalf of the people,” Hon. Nyokabi stated.

She also urged Parliament to fast-track efforts toward implementing the constitutional two-thirds gender rule, warning that the prolonged stalemate could trigger a future political and constitutional crisis.

Director of Litigation and Compliance Services Mr. Sherriffsam Mwendwa stressed the importance of finalizing the Directorate’s operational framework, describing it as essential for streamlining internal processes and improving collaboration across departments within the National Assembly.

“This will be a major milestone because it will enable stronger synergy with key directorates such as Committee Services, Legal Services, Research, and others directly involved in the law-making process,” said Mr. Mwendwa.

The Directorate has already developed a Standard Operating Procedures Manual, a Compliance Manual, and a Post-Litigation Scrutiny Toolkit.

The three instruments, currently in the final stages of rollout, are expected to formalize operations, improve institutional coordination, and strengthen service delivery frameworks within the National Assembly.