Hon Vincent Kawaya Leads Parliament in Advancing Key Environmental Legislation

By John Kariuki

Hon Vincent Kawaya, the Member of Parliament for Mwala and Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining, has taken a bold step in steering two transformative environmental Bills toward full parliamentary consideration.

In a sitting held at Parliament Buildings, Hon Kawaya led the committee in formally adopting the Environmental Professionals Institute of Kenya Bill, 2024 and the Meteorology Bill, 2023. Both Bills, having undergone intensive stakeholder consultations and legal review, are now ready to be tabled in the House for debate and approval.

The Environmental Professionals Institute of Kenya Bill, sponsored by Hon George Gachagua (Ndaragwa), seeks to establish a statutory body responsible for registering, regulating and professionalizing environmental practitioners in the country. Under Hon Kawaya’s leadership, the committee agreed to key amendments aimed at aligning the proposed institution with international best practices and strengthening Kenya’s environmental governance.

The Meteorology Bill, 2023, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Hon Aron Cheruiyot, was also championed by Hon Kawaya as a necessary intervention to modernize the meteorological sector. The Bill provides for the establishment of the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority to regulate, monitor and coordinate all meteorological services in the country.

Hon Kawaya emphasized the need for legal frameworks that empower institutions to respond effectively to environmental and climate-related challenges. His stewardship ensured that both Bills received critical scrutiny and support from committee members, following guidance from the legal department and prior engagements with experts and sector stakeholders.

By directing the tabling of the two Bills on the floor of the House within the week, Hon Vincent Kawaya continues to solidify his role as a proactive leader committed to legislative reform and sustainable environmental development. His efforts are expected to usher in a new era of professionalism and resilience in Kenya’s environmental and climate management sectors.