Livestock farmers will face stringent regulations or hefty fines if the newly proposed Livestock Bill 2024 becomes law. The bill aims to regulate and develop livestock sectors, establish new training institutions, and enforce strict guidelines.
The bill defines livestock broadly. It includes camels, cattle, pigs, poultry, bees, sheep, goats, lagomorphs, companion animals, draught animals, and any wild animal, bird, or reptile in captivity, including their young.
Sponsored by Kikuyu MP
Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah sponsors the bill. It aims to regulate livestock farming, promote livestock products, and establish several livestock agencies. If passed, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) will oversee the salaries of agency employees.
Registration and Restrictions
All livestock farmers, including beekeepers, must register. The bill restricts setting up hives, disposing of bees, honeycombs, and hives, and importing bees. Violations will result in hefty fines.
New Institutions
The bill proposes establishing several institutions:
- Livestock Inputs and Product Regulatory Authority
- Kenya Livestock Research Organisation
- Livestock and Livestock Products Marketing Board
- Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Institute
- Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council
- Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre
- Kenya Leather Development Authority
New Training Institutions
The bill also introduces new training institutions:
- Animal Health and Industry Training in Kabete, Nyahururu, and Ndomba
- Meat Training Institute in Athi River
- Dairy Training Institute in Naivasha
- Livestock Training Institute in Wajir
- National Beekeeping Institute in Lenana
A Livestock Training Institutions Examinations Board will oversee student assessments and certification.
“The livestock training institutions will develop and review training curricula, discipline trainees, assess and conduct exams for academic programs, conduct research in livestock sciences, and disseminate research findings,” reads part of the bill.
Fines and Penalties
The bill proposes severe penalties for violations. Key penalties include:
- Ksh500,000 fine or 12 months imprisonment for feeding animals unauthorized food.
- Ksh100,000 fine or six months imprisonment for unauthorized branding or removal of branding.
- Ksh500,000 fine or one-year imprisonment for selling or manufacturing unauthorized feedstuff.
- Ksh1 million fine or two years imprisonment for selling feeds with harmful ingredients.
- Ksh500,000 fine or one-year imprisonment for unspecified offenses.
- Ksh500,000 fine or 12 months imprisonment for selling feeds without a valid license.