Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah in parliament and goats on a Kenyan road. Photo: Getty Images
In Summary:
1) The proposed Livestock Bill 2024, introduced by Leader of Majority Kimani Ichungwah, has sparked criticism from Kenyans who are concerned about its impact on local farmers.
2) The bill includes significant fines and imprisonment for unregistered farmers involved in animal feed production and for using unauthorized ingredients, raising fears about diminished farmer autonomy and potential foreign influence.
Kenyans are expressing significant concerns regarding the Livestock Bill 2024, recently presented in parliament by Kimani Ichungwah, the Leader of Majority.
The bill stipulates severe penalties for unregistered farmers, including fines of KSh 500,000 or up to one year in jail for producing and selling animal feeds without proper registration.
Furthermore, using unauthorized ingredients in livestock feed could result in fines of KSh 1 million or imprisonment for up to two years.
The bill also proposes the creation of the Livestock Inputs and Products Regulatory Authority, which will oversee all aspects of livestock production, including cattle, pigs, poultry, bees, sheep, goats, and camels.
This authority will be managed by a chairperson appointed by the President, along with several other officials, including the Principal Secretary for Livestock and the Director of Veterinary Services.
Public reaction to the proposed legislation has been largely negative. Many Kenyans, including Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, have voiced concerns that the bill could severely restrict farmers’ independence.
The proposed Livestock Bill 2024 introduced by Kikuyu legislator, @NAssemblyKE Majority Leader Hon. @KIMANIICHUNGWAH, will constitute a new Authority mandated to regulate inputs and products of all forms of livestock including cattle, pigs, poultry, bees, sheep, goats, and… pic.twitter.com/9YL2Ly0o4G
— Okiya Omtatah Okoiti (@OkiyaOmtatah) July 28, 2024
Social media users have gone further, suggesting that foreign corporations may be influencing the bill’s development.
@IMiregwa: “These ideas are foreign and don’t align with our African values. We need to question who these MPs are truly representing. This agenda doesn’t reflect Kenyan interests and seems designed to create food insecurity.”
@NeshkinJM: “It’s surprising and disappointing that someone from Kiambu, where farming is a major livelihood, would support such a law. This is shameful.”
@KusienyaKelvin said: “Why push punitive bills to Kenyans? This has a lot of influence from big pharma.”
@IbnKhadib: “Are there lobbyists in the Kenyan parliament who secretly fund bills, similar to the powerful lobbying seen in the U.S.?”