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The Committee on Delegated Legislation has raised concerns over the stringent conditions proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture in regulating segments of the cash crop sub-sector. During a pre-publication scrutiny of The Crops (Bixa) Regulations, 2024, and The Crops (Pyrethrum) Regulations, 2024, committee members, led by Vice Chair Hon. Robert Gichumu (Gichugu), stressed the necessity of implementing farmer-friendly regulations.
“Looking at the two draft regulations, it’s clear that the focus is on too much regulation instead of promotion,” stated Hon. Gichumu during a meeting with representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture.
David Ombalo, Assistant Director at the State Department of Agriculture, presented the draft regulations to the MPs. He explained that both bixa and pyrethrum farmers, including small-scale growers, would need to register. Additionally, individuals dealing with these crops would also be required to register, and buyers would need to obtain a license.
These requirements prompted committee members to question the ministry’s priorities, speculating whether the ministry was more interested in generating revenue than boosting production.
“The registration is meant to help us know who we are dealing with. As the custodian of the industry data, we need to know who is doing what and where for our planning,” said Ombalo. He added, “The registration is for the farmers’ own good. They will benefit from economies of scale once they are in a group, and the statistics will help us plan future support.”
Despite Ombalo’s assurances, the committee expressed reservations about the potential burden these regulations might place on farmers. The Vice Chairperson directed the ministry’s team to refine the draft regulations, advising them to focus on enhancing product quality to meet market standards and attract more farmers to grow these crops.
“We must ensure that our policies not only regulate but also promote the farming sector. The regulations should be designed to help farmers improve their yield and income, not just impose additional bureaucratic hurdles,” Hon. Gichumu concluded.
The committee’s feedback highlights the ongoing dialogue between lawmakers and the Ministry of Agriculture to balance regulatory oversight with the need to support and promote the agricultural sector. The ministry’s team is expected to revise the regulations to align with these recommendations and resubmit them for further review.
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