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What are the steps before a bill becomes an act

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The Process of a Bill Becoming an Act in Kenya

The process of a bill becoming an act in Kenya is a multi-step process that involves various stakeholders, including the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. Here are the steps involved:

Introduction
The Origination of a Bill
First Reading
Second Reading
Committee Stage
Report Stage
Third Reading
Presidential Assent
Publication in the Kenya Gazette
Conclusion

1. Introduction

A bill is a proposed law that is introduced to the National Assembly or the Senate for consideration. The process of a bill becoming an act is a complex one that involves several stages. The process is designed to ensure that laws are carefully considered and debated before they are enacted.

2. The Origination of a Bill

A bill can originate from various sources, including:

The Government: The government can introduce bills to implement its policies.
Members of Parliament: Individual members of Parliament can introduce bills.
Private Citizens: Private citizens can petition Parliament to introduce a bill.

3. First Reading

The first reading of a bill is a formal introduction of the bill to the House. The bill is read by title only, and no debate is allowed. The bill is then referred to the appropriate committee for consideration.

4. Second Reading

The second reading is the most important stage of the legislative process. During the second reading, the bill is debated in detail. Members of Parliament can propose amendments to the bill. The bill is then voted on. If the bill is approved, it is referred to the committee stage.

5. Committee Stage

The committee stage is where the bill is examined in detail by a specialized committee. The committee can hold hearings and invite experts to give their opinions on the bill. The committee can also propose amendments to the bill.

6. Report Stage

After the committee stage, the committee reports back to the House with its recommendations. The House can then debate the committee's recommendations and vote on them.

7. Third Reading

The third reading is a final reading of the bill. No amendments are allowed at this stage. The bill is then voted on. If the bill is approved, it is sent to the other House of Parliament.

8. Presidential Assent

If the bill is passed by both Houses of Parliament, it is sent to the President for assent. The President can either assent to the bill, which makes it an act, or veto the bill. If the President vetoes the bill, it is returned to Parliament. Parliament can override the President's veto with a two-thirds majority vote.

9. Publication in the Kenya Gazette

Once a bill has been assented to by the President, it is published in the Kenya Gazette. This makes the act official and enforceable.

10. Conclusion

The process of a bill becoming an act in Kenya is a complex and lengthy one. It is designed to ensure that laws are carefully considered and debated before they are enacted. The process also ensures that the public has an opportunity to participate in the law-making process.

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