resident William Ruto on Tuesday chaired a Cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi, that approved a raft of policy, legal, and infrastructure initiatives aimed at reforming governance, boosting economic productivity, and enhancing public welfare.
Among the key decisions was the approval of the Government-Owned Enterprises (GOE) Bill, 2025.
The proposed law seeks to professionalise the management of commercial State corporations by introducing a merit-based, independent selection process for board members.
The bill also bars conflicts of interest, allows boards to elect their chairpersons, and aims to restore public confidence in State-run businesses.
Cabinet also approved the dualling of the Nairobi Northern Bypass, the last of the capital’s bypasses yet to be expanded.
"The 20.2km stretch between Ruaka and Ruiru will be upgraded into a dual carriageway with eight interchanges, underpasses, and non-motorised transport lanes to ease congestion and boost connectivity," the Cabinet dispatch read in part.
In a further push to transform Nairobi, the Cabinet gave the green light to the Nairobi Railway City Central Station and Public Realm Project.
The revamped transport hub will feature nine platforms, improved bridges, and accommodate up to 600,000 passengers a day by 2045. The project is expected to ease city congestion, unlock economic potential, and attract private investment.
On housing, Cabinet endorsed the Affordable Housing Regulations, 2024.
"These include reducing housing deposit requirements from 10% to 5% and offer structured deposit support for low-income groups, alongside expanded access to low-interest housing loans and equitable allocation criteria," the statement added.
To modernise public procurement, Cabinet approved the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The proposed law will make e-procurement mandatory, aiming to curb corruption, enhance transparency, and ease access for local and disadvantaged contractors, including youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
Also approved was the National Policy on the Prevention of Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Use (2025).
The policy strengthens NACADA’s mandate, tightens rules on alcohol advertising and access, and outlines a national, multi-sectoral approach to prevention, rehabilitation, and public awareness.
Cabinet further endorsed the Higher Education, Science and Technology Phase II Project, which will boost STEM training and research in Kenya.
The initiative will upgrade university labs, establish a science and technology park, promote innovation, and increase postgraduate STEM training, especially for women and youth.
