Principal Secretary for the State Department of Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke has unveiled comprehensive details about the proposed Livestock Bill, designed to overhaul and modernize Kenya’s livestock industry.
Taking to his X account, Mueke emphasized that the bill aims to protect livestock farmers, regulate the industry, and boost economic growth through structured reforms.
He stated that one of the bill’s primary objectives is to safeguard farmers from unethical practices in commercial breeding and the sale of animal feeds.
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Mueke highlighted that the bill would mandate the registration of individuals and entities involved in manufacturing livestock feed for sale noting that this measure aims to prevent the sale of substandard or contaminated feed, addressing long-standing concerns from farmers about the impact of such products on livestock health and productivity.
“The proposed regulations are not meant to restrict farmers but to protect them from unscrupulous dealers who compromise the quality of animal feed,” Mueke stated. “Ensuring the feed’s quality directly impacts the safety of animal products such as milk and meat, which are crucial to consumer health.”
Mueke said the bill also seeks to formally anchor several existing state corporations, previously established through legal notices, into an act of parliament adding that this move is expected to enhance the governance and operational efficiency of these corporations, making them more accountable and better integrated into the national legal framework.
The bill also proposes the creation of a Livestock Marketing Board.
He explained that this board would play a critical role in linking farmers with local and international markets, ensuring fair pricing and better returns for their products.
“The Livestock Marketing Board will serve as a bridge, connecting our farmers to lucrative markets, thereby boosting their incomes and contributing to the overall economic growth,” Mueke noted.
He added that the board’s establishment is a strategic step toward realizing Kenya’s potential as a leading livestock producer in the region.
Mueke lastly added that the proposed bill aims to provide a legal foundation for existing livestock training institutions noting that by anchoring these institutions into law, the government intends to standardize training and ensure consistent, high-quality education and skill development in the livestock sector.
“The formalization of training institutions under the law will standardize curriculum and training standards, ensuring that our farmers and industry professionals are equipped with the best practices and latest innovations,” Mueke said.
