A Bill seeking to have Kenyans face a fine of up to Ksh1 million or two years in jail, or both, for growing mung beans, popularly known as ndengu, without a license has been introduced in Parliament.
Growing ndengu without authorization will soon be an offense should the Mung Beans Bill, 2022 which has been introduced in Parliament be passed into law.
Currently before the Senate, the Mung Beans Bill, 2022, sets tough conditions for licensing of marketers, processors and large-scale traders of the beans.
Under clause nine, the Bill by the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries member and Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua highlights the requirement for licensing of marketers, processers and large-scale traders.
It states that a person shall not market, process or carry out large-scale trading in mung beans or products unless the person has a license.
“A person shall not market, process or carry out large scale trading in mung beans or mung beans products unless the person has obtained a license from the relevant County Government,” reads part of the Bill.
“A person who contravenes the provisions of subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both.”
The Bill is aimed at sufficiently providing for the development, regulation and promotion of the mung bean since the crop has not been scheduled in the Crops, Act 2013.
Inside Bill Seeking to Regulate Ndengu Farming
According to the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, the Bill was published on 30th December 2022 and read a first time in the Senate on Wednesday, 15th February 2023.
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Thereafter the Bill stood committed to the Standing Committee for consideration.
The Committee argues that the Bill proposes to provide for the development, regulation and promotion of the mung beans sector in Kenya.
It also provides for assistance to ndengu farmers in gaining modern farming techniques and general modernization of the mung bean industry for cost control and improved productivity.
“The mung beans Bill will not only streamline the production of the crop but will also elevate the mung beans growing areas in the semi-arid regions of lower Eastern area to have a recognized cash crop that will go a long way in increasing the economic status of the region as well as increased livelihoods of the farmers in the area,” reads part of the Bill.
Furthermore, the Bill if passed will provide a framework for the implementation of effective marketing strategies for Mung Bean in Kenya and the International markets which is currently not happening.
It also seeks to register the mung beans farmers and compile a formal database that will allow both the National and County Governments have current and relevant data when making any decisions that would affect the players in this sector.
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Sifuna Dismisses Provisions
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna in a statement on Thursday, August 15, 2024, however refuted claims that there is such a Bill in Senate, adding that the Mung Bill passed by senators does not have such provision.
“There is no such law before the Senate. The Mung Bill we passed at the Senate does not contain any such provision,” said Sifuna.
The National Assembly is set to reconvene on Thursday afternoon to continue its debate on the Mung Beans Bill (Senate Bill No. 13 of 2022), alongside other items on the agenda.
Ndengu is a cherished dish in Kenyan cuisine rich in protein and fibre which is commonly consumed as stew by typically simmering it with tomatoes, onions, garlic or an aromatic mix of spices.
Often enjoyed with rice, Chapati or Ugali, Ndengu is a versatile and hearty meal and a staple in many Kenyan household.
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