Feed manufacturers rally behind Kenya’s livestock bill for industry transformation

KENYA – Kenya’s animal feed manufacturing sector has voiced its support for the proposed Livestock Bill 2024, which aims to streamline regulations, improve efficiency, and enhance the quality of livestock production. 

The legislation, unveiled on July 30, 2024, by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, seeks to modernise the livestock sector, with significant implications for feed production. 

As the industry faces challenges stemming from uncoordinated policies, the new legislation is seen as a crucial step toward better organisation and competitiveness.

Paul Kamau, CEO of the Association of Kenya Feed Manufacturers (AKEFEMA), expressed optimism about the bill’s potential to resolve long-standing issues that have hindered the sector if the industry’s views and recommendations are considered in its implementation.

“For years, the industry has been grappling with uncoordinated taxation, which has significantly raised costs for manufacturers. The Livestock Bill promises to unify regulations and create a more predictable environment for us to operate,” Kamau stated during a recent workshop for feed manufacturers in Embu County.

Uncoordinated taxation has been a significant hurdle for feed manufacturers. The dual systems of taxation, with overlapping demands from both county and national governments, have complicated financial planning and increased the cost of production. 

With the new bill, stakeholders are hopeful that streamlined tax regulations will reduce these financial burdens, allowing manufacturers to invest more in improving the quality and efficiency of their operations.

During the bill’s unveiling in July 2024, Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke emphasised that the legislation results from extensive consultations with industry stakeholders and is designed to modernise the sector while ensuring that farmers and feed manufacturers benefit from stable market conditions and improved profitability.

“The Livestock Bill is a progressive piece of legislation that will enable the commercialization of livestock farming and bolster the economic stability of farmers. By focusing on best practices, market access, and the regulation of inputs, we are setting up Kenya’s livestock industry for long-term success,” Mueke explained.

Regulatory landscape to improve

One key component of the bill is regulating animal feedstuffs. The legislation aims to ensure that livestock inputs are free from contaminants and meet high nutritional standards, which will, in turn, improve livestock health and productivity. 

This is a critical development for feed manufacturers, as it promises to standardise production processes and enhance the quality of animal feed worldwide.

The bill also addresses broader issues within the livestock value chain, including the establishment of a Marketing Board to boost market access for Kenyan livestock products, both locally and internationally. 

This is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Kenyan products in the global marketplace, positioning the country as a more attractive destination for investment in the livestock sector.

In addition to regulatory improvements, the bill provides a comprehensive framework for disaster management, research and innovation, and capacity building. 

The Kenya Livestock Research Organisation will be created to advance research and develop cutting-edge production technologies, while livestock training institutions will be legally recognized to ensure better governance and accountability.

With its multifaceted approach to reforming the livestock sector, the Livestock Bill 2024 is widely regarded as a milestone in the industry. Feed manufacturers, in particular, see it as a beacon of hope for an industry plagued by inefficiency and inconsistent regulation. 

As Paul Kamau noted, “This legislation represents a vital step toward creating a more sustainable and efficient industry. We are confident that it will pave the way for a brighter future for feed manufacturers and the entire livestock value chain.”

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