President Ruto Assents to Population Act, Giving Council Legal Mandate
President Ruto Assents to Population Act, Giving Council Legal Mandate
By Peace Muthoka
NAIROBI, Kenya, September 8, 2026 — President William Samoei Ruto has assented to the Kenya National Council for Population and Development Bill, 2023 (National Assembly Bill No. 72 of 2023), officially establishing the Kenya National Council for Population and Development (KNCPD) through an Act of Parliament.
The President signed the Population Act at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, marking a historic milestone in Kenya’s efforts to strengthen population and development planning, policy coordination and evidence-based decision-making.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning CPA John Mbadi, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Economic Planning Dr Boniface Makokha and other Principal Secretaries.
The newly enacted law provides a comprehensive legal framework for the Council to coordinate population and development programmes, advise the government on emerging demographic issues and promote the integration of population dynamics into national and county development planning.
Welcoming the enactment, Acting Director General of the National Council for Population and Development Lucy Kimondo described the assent as a major milestone for Kenya’s population and development agenda.
“This is a landmark moment for Kenya’s population and development agenda. The enactment of this law crowns years of effort towards re-establishing the Council on a firm legal foundation,” Kimondo said.
She said operating under an Act of Parliament would strengthen the Council’s mandate and enhance its capacity to serve all population groups while addressing their unique needs and development aspirations.
According to Kimondo, the new legal status will also empower the Council to provide stronger policy guidance on population matters, coordinate the implementation of population and development programmes and advise both national and county governments on emerging demographic trends and their implications for sustainable development.
Council gets wider mandate
Under the Act, the Kenya National Council for Population and Development is established as a body corporate and designated as the national focal point for population and development matters.
Its functions include conducting research and analysis on population issues, developing and disseminating population policies and plans, coordinating stakeholder interventions, mobilising partnerships and setting standards for population programmes across the country.
The enactment aligns Kenya with regional and international best practices, where population coordinating institutions are established through legislation to support governments in addressing demographic opportunities and challenges.
The Council is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring that population dynamics are integrated into planning and budgeting processes at both national and county levels.
The move is aimed at supporting the realisation of Kenya’s sustainable development goals, inclusive economic growth and improved quality of life for all citizens.
With the new law now providing the Council with a firm legal foundation, the institution is expected to strengthen coordination of population and development programmes and provide government with evidence to guide policies and planning.
