Proposed Kenya’s New Livestock Bill Imposes Heavy Fines on Unregistered Farmers
The proposed Livestock Bill 2024, introduced by Kikuyu legislator Kimani Ichung’wa, seeks to overhaul the livestock industry in Kenya. The bill mandates the creation of a new Authority responsible for regulating all forms of livestock, including cattle, pigs, poultry, bees, sheep, goats, and camels.
Key Provisions of the Bill
- Registration and Fines:
- All livestock farmers must register. Unregistered farmers selling animal feeds face a KSh 500,000 fine or one-year imprisonment.
- Using prohibited inputs in livestock production incurs a KSh 1 million fine or two years in prison.
- Regulatory Authority:
- The Livestock Inputs and Products Regulatory Authority will oversee the industry. The Authority, managed by a President-appointed chairperson, includes key government officials such as the Principal Secretary of Livestock, the Director of Veterinary Services, and others.
- The Authority will regulate the use of genetic resources, production, processing, and sale of livestock products, including hive products.
- Sector Management:
- The bill empowers the Authority to register commercial livestock keepers, maintain a national database, and set standards for animal feed and livestock product quality.
- New institutions such as the Kenya Livestock Research Organisation, Livestock and Livestock Products Marketing Board, and the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Institute will be established to enhance sector productivity.
- Training and Certification:
- The bill proposes the creation of various training centers, including the Animal Health and Industry Training, Meat Training Institute, Dairy Training Institute, and National Beekeeping Institute. Graduates will be certified by the Livestock Training Institutions Examinations Board.
- These institutions will develop and review training curricula, maintain trainee discipline, conduct examinations, and spearhead livestock science research.
Implications and Challenges
While the bill aims to revive Kenya’s livestock sector, it raises concerns about the government’s ability to implement these comprehensive regulations. The introduction of multiple new government positions comes at a time when austerity measures and wage reductions are a priority.
Overall, the Livestock Bill 2024 signifies a significant shift towards a regulated and standardized livestock industry in Kenya, aiming to boost productivity and quality while imposing strict penalties for non-compliance.
