The proposed Livestock Bill 2024, spearheaded by Kimani Ichung’wah, the Leader of Majority in the National Assembly and MP for Kikuyu, aims to overhaul the livestock sector in Kenya. If enacted, the Bill will introduce stringent regulations for all types of livestock, including beef and dairy cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, and camels.
New Regulatory Authority
The Bill proposes the establishment of the Livestock Inputs and Products Regulatory Authority, which will oversee various aspects of livestock production. This new authority will regulate the production, manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, and sale of animal feedstuff, including fodder, concentrates, supplements, feed additives, and premixes. The authority will ensure that these products meet national standards and will approve and register breeding animals while conducting performance recording and genetic evaluations.
Licensing and Penalties
Under the Bill, only registered livestock farmers will be permitted to manufacture and sell animal feeds. Unregistered individuals found engaging in these activities will face significant penalties, including fines of up to Sh500,000 or a year’s imprisonment. Additionally, the Bill prohibits the use of unapproved ingredients in animal feed, with violations resulting in fines of up to Sh2 million or a two-year jail term.
Registration and Licensing Requirements
The Bill mandates that anyone involved in commercial livestock breeding must be registered with the new authority and possess a valid license. Registered breeders are restricted to using their licensed facilities solely for livestock breeding activities unless otherwise permitted by the authority. The Bill also includes provisions for the registration of beekeepers and the regulation of bee hive standards and disposal methods.
Impact on Government Structure
The implementation of the Bill will lead to the creation of new government positions, including a chairperson appointed by the President, a Principal Secretary for Livestock, and several other key roles such as the Director of Veterinary Services and the Director of Livestock Production. The Bill proposes that the new authority replace the National Livestock Development and Promotion Service.
Institutional Framework
The new regulatory framework will involve the establishment of several institutions to support the livestock sector. These include the Kenya Livestock Research Organisation, the Livestock and Livestock Products Marketing Board, and the Livestock Inputs and Products Regulatory Authority. The Bill also envisions strengthening these institutions through the creation of training facilities aimed at boosting sector productivity.
Conclusion
Kimani Ichung’wah’s proposed Livestock Bill 2024 represents a comprehensive attempt to modernize and regulate Kenya’s livestock industry. While it promises to bring order and efficiency to the sector, the Bill will also add new administrative layers and potentially increase government expenditures, challenging the current focus on austerity measures.
