Ruto Signs Three New Laws Reshaping Coffee Industry, Rail Funding and Weather Services

President William Ruto has approved three new laws expected to change how key sectors operate in Kenya. The bills were signed at State House Nairobi and target the coffee industry, railway financing and the country’s weather services.

The new Coffee Act introduces major changes in the management of the coffee sector. Under the law, regulatory duties previously handled by the Agriculture and Food Authority will move to the Coffee Board of Kenya. The board will now supervise licensing of coffee dealers, manage trading activities and promote Kenyan coffee in both domestic and international markets.

Officials say the board will also gather industry data, monitor trends, and guide policies meant to strengthen the coffee sector. It will work with the Kenya Bureau of Standards to develop quality standards and codes of practice for players in the industry. The aim is to improve transparency and help Kenyan coffee remain competitive globally.

The law further creates a new institution to focus on research and farmer training. The Coffee Research and Training Institute will lead studies on coffee diseases, develop improved crop varieties, and support farmers in adopting modern farming technologies.

At the same time, the Miscellaneous Fees and Levies (Amendment) Act, 2026 expands how money from the Railway Development Levy can be used. Previously tied mainly to the Standard Gauge Railway project, the funds can now support other railway infrastructure projects across the country.

A new Railway Development Levy Fund will hold all the collected money. The law also creates a board responsible for managing the fund, approving budgets and ensuring the resources are used properly in railway projects and rehabilitation works.

The third law, the Meteorology Act, establishes the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority. The body will oversee weather data collection, forecasting and early warning systems for disasters.

According to the government, the authority will advise both national and county governments on weather-related issues. It will also ensure Kenya follows international standards in meteorological services while strengthening research and training in the sector.