The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Kenya has flagged a notice that went viral on social media on September 19, 2024, regarding levies imposed on farm produce.
NEMA stated that the notice was propagating false information regarding fees imposed on fruit and vegetables farmers.
“NEMA notifies the public that this notice circulating on social media is fake and NEMA does not charge fees for growing fruits and vegetables and therefore should be ignored,” statement from NEMA read in part.
At the same time NEMA went on to provide the channel through which the public should report any cases related to environmental violation.
The contacts are 0741101100 or 0786101100. Additionally, the cases can be reported through NEMA email at info@nema.go.ke or incidence@nema.go.ke.
The flagged notice urged farmers to brace up since they will need to follow stringent protocol to be allowed to carry out their vegetable and fruit farming activities.
Also, the notice indicated that farmers would need to be licensed under NEEMA at a minimum cost of Ksh10,000.
In addition, according to the notice, fruit and vegetable farmers were to pay Ksh. 2500 for soil tests, Ksh 4700 for water analyses, Ksh 5000 for certification among other requirements.
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Moreover, the notice added, “But wait there is more. You might find yourself behind bars if you buy vegetables from an unlicensed farmer.”
NEMA vs FarmBiz Africa
NEMA flagged the notice came hours after FarmBiz Africa raises the alarm that any trader who shall buy fruits and vegetables from uncertified farmers will be penalized.
The penalty shall affect distributors, processors, middlemen and any person who shall purchase fruits and vegetables directly from a farmer who is not certified by implementing the 55-page, a compulsory KS1758 Kenyan standard.
Despite a statement made in July by the International Agricultural Non-Governmental (NGO) CABI highlighting that it will be impossible for individual farmers to cover the certification cost, the government is still determined to forge in that direction.
Safety Rules as Confirmed by HCD
The Horticultural and Crop Directorate, Collin Otieno in a media interview confirmed that all farmers will have to be subject to the standards.
Notably, the standards will require farmers to possess ID, plot records and growing records which they will be required to produce to every buyer for affirmation.
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Moreover, various agricultural organizations, such as the Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPEAK), and the international agricultural organizations including HCD have already confirmed that the standards shall remain mandatory for all farmers who sale produce inside the country.
Notably, these and other new rules have been enacted down in the Kenya Standard 1758:2016 (KS1758) Horticulture Industry Code of Practice.
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