- The proposed legislation seeks to improve efficiency and profitability in the livestock sector.
- It seeks to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the sector, creating a predictable and orderly environment.
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National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah stayed the First Reading and consideration of Livestock Bill, 2024, to allow sensitisation of the public on contents of the proposed law.
In a letter to the Ministry of Agriculture’s State Department of Livestock Development, Ichung’wah said stakeholders will also be informed on policy underpinning the Bill.
“Upon completion of the sensitisation process, we shall await your further guidance on this matter on whether the Bill should be withdrawn to allow for further consultations; revised and republished for consideration by Parliament; or processed with subject to the comments of the public and stakeholder being incorporated at the appropriate stage of the consideration of the Bill,” the letter said.
Ichung’wah asked the department to forward comments of the public and stakeholders on the Bill to his office.
The proposed legislation seeks to improve efficiency and profitability in the livestock sector.
The provisions in the Bill offer incentives such as grants, credit, offtake agreements and farm inputs to farmers and the vulnerable livestock sector value chains.
It is envisaged that the new law will enhance commercialisation of livestock farming.
The proposed law is expected to address farmers' economic stability by securing good returns on investment and developing the livestock value chain.
It further seeks to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the sector, creating a predictable and orderly environment.
This will enable sustainable growth suitable for targeted investment.
Unethical practices which took root due to lack of regulation will be fully addressed to allow investors, especially farmers get better returns.
The proposed law also seeks to provide interventions to farmers and value chain actors.
The Bill proposes establishment of a Livestock Inputs and Products Regulatory Authority which will be the successor to the National Livestock Development and Promotion Services.
The authority will be mandated to regulate production, manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution and sale of animal feeds.
It will also oversee sustainable use and conservation of animal genetic resources.
Additionally, the Bill will regulate imported and locally manufactured equipment used in the livestock sector and set standards for delivery of extension services.