Kenya's Agriculture and Livestock Committee Reviews 2026 Livestock Bill

The National Assembly Agriculture and Livestock Committee, led by Tigania West MP Dr. John Mutunga, is reviewing the Livestock Bill, 2026. The bill, sponsored by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, proposes the establishment of eight institutions to regulate, promote, and support livestock value chains. These institutions include the Livestock Sector Transformation Fund and the Kenya Livestock Research Organisation.

The bill seeks to address gaps in the sector by ensuring individual value chains are adequately represented and regulated. Dr. Christopher Wanga, Director of Livestock Policy, Research, and Regulation at the State Department for Livestock Development, stated that the legislation responds to recommendations by a presidential task force on parastatal reforms. The task force identified the need for institutions tailored to the specific requirements of livestock industries.

A Regulatory Impact Assessment established that the benefits of the proposed legislation outweigh maintaining the current situation, where the sector lacks comprehensive regulation. However, Committee Chairperson Dr. Mutunga questioned the State Department's preparedness to address public concerns and misinformation. He noted that a similar bill had previously been dropped following public outcry.

Some stakeholders have expressed concerns about the proposal to establish a separate livestock research institution. Dr. Kipkemoi Changwony, Director of Livestock Systems at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), warned that separating livestock research from KALRO could undermine integrated agricultural research. KALRO's multidisciplinary programmes support both crop and livestock production, strengthening resilience and productivity.

Other stakeholders, including Professor Abdi Guliye, Presidential Advisor on Livestock and Rangeland Management, support the proposal, citing the need to address historical disparities in the sector. Professor Guliye questioned why livestock should not enjoy the same institutional independence as the sugar, tea, and coffee industries. The committee has heard from various agencies, including the Kenya Leather Development Council and the Kenya Dairy Board.

The committee's review of the bill aims to ensure that the proposed legislation is comprehensive and effective in regulating the livestock sector. The bill's sponsors and stakeholders are working to address concerns and ensure that the legislation benefits the sector as a whole. The committee's recommendations will be crucial in shaping the final version of the bill.

The Livestock Bill, 2026, is a significant step towards transforming Kenya's livestock sector. The bill's proposed institutions and regulatory framework aim to promote sustainable development and improve the livelihoods of those in the sector. As the committee continues its review, it is essential that all stakeholders are engaged and that their concerns are addressed.

Key points

• The Livestock Bill, 2026, proposes the establishment of eight institutions to regulate, promote, and support livestock value chains in Kenya.
• The bill aims to address historical disparities in the livestock sector and promote sustainable development.
• Stakeholders have expressed concerns about the proposal to establish a separate livestock research institution, citing potential risks to integrated agricultural research.