- The Bill will address farmers' economic stability by securing good returns on investment and developing the livestock value chain
- It seeks to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the sector, creating a predictable and orderly environment
Image: KEITH MUSEKE
The government has introduced new legislation to improve efficiency and profitability in the livestock sector.
Livestock PS Jonathan Mueke said Livestock Bill, 2024 which is a product of structured and extensive consultation will enhance commercialisation of livestock farming.
“The Bill is aimed at growing returns in the sector by addressing policy, regulation, incentives, training, research and disaster management. This proposed legislation, which is aligned and sensitive to livestock farmers' interests and aspirations, will ensure a robust and sustainable livestock sector by enhancing productivity, market access and resilience," he said.
The Bill will address farmers' economic stability by securing good returns on investment and developing the livestock value chain.
It 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 too root due to lack of regulation will be fully addressed to allow investors, especially farmers get better returns.
It also seeks to provide interventions to farmers and value chain actors.
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.
Mueke said the Bill creates infrastructure to ensure that inputs are free from contaminants and harmful substances, guaranteeing superior quality animal nutrition and high levels of efficiency and productivity.
“Farmers will now access superior breeding stock. Top breeds translate to high productivity and impressive returns on investment,” he said.
Mueke said the proposed legislation has taken into active consideration stakeholders’ interests to have livestock institutions anchored in acts of Parliament.
“Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute, Kenya Animal Genetics Resources Centre, Kenya Leather Development Council and the Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council are established under a subsidiary legislation. This bill will ensure these institutions are established under substantive laws,” he said.
Mueke said the proposed legislation will create unprecedented employment and wealth opportunities for livestock farmers by positioning Kenya as a livestock investment destination.
"Through creation of the Marketing Board, the Bill will open markets for livestock products such as meat, milk, eggs, honey and leather which currently have no marketing agency," he said.
This will enhance markets, stable prices, increased revenue and bolster the competitiveness of Kenyan livestock products locally and internationally.
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.
In addition, utilisation and development of livestock resources for food and nutritional security by measures enforced through the Bill will guarantee that livestock products are safe and abundant to the national food supply.
The Bill also proposes establishment of the Kenya Livestock Research Organisation to advance livestock research and production technologies.