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Stakeholders from the State Departments of Livestock Development and Trade have presented their perspectives on the Prevention of Livestock and Produce Theft Bill to the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, chaired by Tigania West MP, Hon. (Dr.) John Mutunga.
The Bill aims to establish a legal framework for livestock identification, movement, theft prevention, regulation of livestock trade, and the return of illegally acquired livestock and firearms.
In a session chaired by Sigowet Soin MP, Hon. Justice Kemei, Dr. Christopher Wanga, the Director of Livestock Policy Resource, and Mr. Lucas Mwago briefed the Members on the proposals for the Bill from the Livestock and Trade State Departments, respectively.
Dr. Wanga suggested that the National Assembly suspend the processing of the Bill since the Ministry has already developed four Bills and one Act addressing similar challenges. These include the Livestock Bill, Animal Health Bill, Animal Welfare and Protection Bill, Veterinary Public Health Bill, and Livestock Identification and Traceability Regulations.
On the other hand, Mr. Mwago proposed enhancing Section 15 (4) of the Bill, which mandates abattoir owners to keep records, from three months to between six months and a year to ensure better traceability of meat and livestock products.
After their presentations, the Committee noted the disparity between the ministries and urged them to reconcile their positions on the Bill.
“You are putting the Committee at a crossroads, with one side of government suggesting standing down the Bill while the other wants amendments. The two departments need to reconcile their issues first,” remarked Hon. Jared Okello.
However, Hon. Kemei clarified that the Committee is not obligated to wait for agreement between the State Departments but will consider both presentations before taking action.
Defending the Bill, co-sponsor Hon. Rahim Dawood (North Imenti) argued against standing it down, suggesting instead that the departments propose amendments.
The Committee will continue deliberations on the Bill to ensure comprehensive consideration of all perspectives.
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