The National Assembly has withdrawn the consideration of the Livestock Bill, 2024 which was seeking to constitute a new authority mandated to regulate inputs and products of all forms of livestock.
Introduced by the Leader of the Majority Party in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung’wa, the proposed Livestock Bill 2024, would have seen farmers face a fine of Ksh500,000 or a year’s imprisonment, among other penalties for violating some of the provisions included in the Bill.
However, Ichung’wah on Thursday, August 8 announced that the Bill has been dropped, emphasizing the importance of involving all stakeholders in the legislative process.
The Kikuyu Member of Parliament (MP) in a statement to the House acknowledged that the Livestock Bill, 2024 has raised concerns among Kenyans.
“We have listened to the concerns of Kenyans about the Livestock Bill “It is crucial that the public understands the implications of this legislation and has an opportunity to provide input,” said the Leader of the Majority.
“I have written to the PS State Department on Livestock to conduct further public participation on the Livestock Bill, 2024.”
Ichung’wah in consultation with the House Business Committee and the Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula wrote to the Principal Secretary, State Department of Livestock directing the Ministry to undertake comprehensive public participation before the Bill is reintroduced.
Ichung’wah gives way forward on Livestock Bill, 2024
The PS has been tasked with engaging various stakeholders, including livestock farmers, industry players, and civil society organizations, to gather their views on the proposed legislation.
According to the National Assembly, the ministry is expected to submit a report to the house detailing the outcome of the public consultation.
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“Upon completion of the sensitization process, we shall await your further guidance on this matter on whether the Bill should be withdrawn to allow for further consultations; revised and republished for consideration by Parliament; or proceeded with subject to the comments of the public and stakeholders being incorporated at the appropriate stage of consideration of the Bill,” said Ichung’wah in the letter to the Ministry.
“Ministries author bills and send them to the House without proper public participation. I have asked the Ministry to engage all stakeholders on the Bill and sensitize members of the public on its provisions.”
Public participation to determine fate of Bill
Further, the lawmaker indicated that the future of the Livestock Bill will depend on the feedback received from the public, meaning that it may be withdrawn, revised, or proceeded with, incorporating public input as necessary.
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According to the National Assembly, the decision to withdraw the consideration came following recent court decisions that nullified the Social Health Insurance Act, where the courts ruled that insufficient public sensitization had been carried out.
The Livestock Bill, 2024 seeks to provide for the development of the livestock sector and the regulation of livestock inputs and products.
It was also seeking for research and capacity building in the livestock sector and the establishment of livestock and training agencies.
Further, the bill restricts unregistered livestock farmers from manufacturing animal feeds to sell them, and sets a fine of Ksh500,000 or a year’s imprisonment if this provision is violated.
The authority which shall be constituted if the bill passes will also be mandated to prescribe the type of inputs that will be used in livestock production.
In effect to this, the Bill recommends a Ksh1 million fine or 2 years of imprisonment if a livestock farmer uses disallowed ingredients.
The Bill was notably set to be read for the first time in the course of next week.
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