The Livestock Bill proposing the licensing of livestock-rearing farmers in Kenya fake. Reports of the Animal Production Professionals and Technicians Bill 2023 sparked a great deal of controversy. However, Livestock Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke contradicted the controversial bill and termed it fake.
“Fake news by enemies of progress,”
The PS wrote on X.
Sh500,000 Fine for Animal Rearing
The flagged post asserted that Kenyans required government approval to rear livestock. In addition, the fake post stated that each license had a one year validity. From January 1 to December 31.
“Any person who carries out animal production services without having been registered under the Act, or otherwise contravenes any provisions of this Part, commits an offence.”
The Animal Production Professionals and Technicians Bill 2023 stipulated.
Additionally, the Livestock Bill alleged that Kenyans seeking a license will have to make a formal application. Through the Animal Production Professionals Board. And await for approval after paying a fixed fee.
Conviction for unregistered service providers would attract a fine of up to half a million. Alternatively, a jail term of at most six months, or both.
“Unregistered animal production service providers to get a fine not exceeding Ksh500,000. Or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both.”
The document stated.
Various Livestock Sector Stakeholders Affected
In fact, the referenced Livestock Bill 2023 affected the entire animal feed value chain. By requiring registration and certification for all involved in animal feed activities.
“A person shall not, handle any animal feeds by engaging in any operation of production, manufacture, processing, storage, transport or distribution. Unless the person registers under this regulation. And acquires a registration certificate.”
The document stated.
The bill seemingly aimed to enhance record-keeping within the animal feed value chain for each activity. Stakeholders across the livestock sector are relieved that the bill is a hoax.
By BNN