More than 80 percent of Kenya is arid and semi-arid (ASAL) and livestock resources are the main means of livelihood.
In ASAL areas most inhabitants are poor and live on less than one dollar a day.
About 50 to 75 percent of these extremely poor whether in ASAL or rainfed areas depend on livestock resources as part of their livelihood.
This reality necessitates the need to pay special attention to livestock to turn around the economy of its farmers.
Dr Christopher Wanga, Director of Livestock Policy Research and Regulation at the State Department for Livestock, has termed the Livestock Bill as very critical for livestock-based livelihoods and the national economy.
The Livestock Bill, he says, aims to provide a regulatory framework for a previously unregulated livestock industry.
“Given that in Kenya, agricultural populations continue to grow while agricultural land cannot expand at the same rate. Productivity gains resulting in the increased value of output are essential to raising rural incomes,” said Wanga.
“Livestock products provide an example of high-value agricultural produce, with roughly three out of four agricultural households already keeping livestock and therefore represent an important means for poverty reduction.”
If signed into law, Wanga says, it will provide for the development of the livestock sector, the regulation of livestock inputs and livestock products, research and capacity building in the livestock sector and the establishment of livestock agencies.
The law will provide a predictable environment to guide investment into the livestock industry that will be operating under a clear livestock master plan.
The Bill also provides for the establishment of the Livestock Inputs and Products Regulatory Authority.
The functions of the Authority include regulating the production, manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution and sale of animal feedstuff, genetic resources, livestock inputs, and livestock products.
Others are undertaking capacity building in the livestock sector and setting standards for the delivery of extension services.
The Bill also provides for the establishment of the Kenya Livestock Research Organisation.
It consolidates the livestock research institutions in the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation to provide an agency that will primarily focus on livestock research.
The functions of the Organisation include conducting and coordinating livestock research in line with relevant policies and developing improved livestock production technologies.
In addition, the Bill provides for the establishment of the Livestock and Livestock Products Marketing Board.
Wanga explained that the marketing board will be mandated to advise the national government and county governments on matters relating to the production and marketing of livestock and livestock products.
The body will also promote trade in livestock and livestock products, mobilizing and coordinating resources for investment and promotion of marketing of livestock and livestock products.
It will also be the board’s responsibility to identify market needs and trends in the livestock sector.
Wanga said many livestock holders can benefit directly from the increasing market demand for livestock products.
This is because demand growths for cereals are less than half the demand growth for high-value livestock commodities.
“Furthermore, the poor can also benefit from the fact that livestock development creates demand for labour, and supports economic linkages with the feed and processing industries. It also sustains trade balances, encourages food security through stronger supply and can lead to lower prices for food of animal origin. The potential contribution of livestock sector development to the livelihood of the poor is thus very significant,” he said.
Other highlights of the Bill include the establishment of the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Institute; Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council, the Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre, the Kenya Leather Development Authority and the establishment of livestock training institutions
