20 Groups Under Kilimo Cha Haki Oppose 9 Punitive Agricultural Bills

A coalition of concerned Kenyans, farmers, consumers, and activists has united under the banner of Kilimo Cha Haki to resist a series of agricultural bills currently under debate in Kenya’s 13th Parliament....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

The movement warns that the nine proposed bills could have catastrophic effects on Kenya’s agricultural sector, which accounts for over 80% of the country’s GDP, directly endangering the country’s food security and sovereignty.

During a press briefing, Kilimo Cha Haki Convener Mary Kathomi Riungu underscored the coalition’s mission to protect food sovereignty and security.

She detailed the specific bills under challenge and voiced her concerns about the impact of these legislative plans.

Agriculture and Food Authority Bill

Livestock Bill 2024, tabled by Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah

Mung Bean Bill 2022, co-sponsored by Hon. Enoch Kiio Wambua and Hon. Paul Nzengu

Agriculture Professional Registration and Licensing Bill 2024—tabled by Hon. Kanyuithia Mutunga

Nuts and Oil Crops Development Bill 2023—tabled by Senator Hamida Kibwana

Horticultural Crop Authority Bill 2024—tabled by Hon. Sabina Chege

Land Amendment Bill (withdrawn)—tabled by Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah

Rice Bill 2024, tabled by James Kamau Murango

Water Amendment Bill 2023

Mary Kathomi Riungu also pointed out that Kenya already has 15 state agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture responsible for overseeing and regulating various aspects of the agricultural sector.

These agencies, such as the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), Kenya Seed Company (KSC), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS), and Kenya Fisheries Services (KFS), along with county governments, play crucial roles in regulating the sector.

Riungu pointed out that the new bills unnecessarily duplicate these functions and introduce regulations that would criminalize ordinary farming practices, disproportionately affecting small-scale farmers.

“The coalition argues that these bills are not only unnecessary but also unconstitutional. They criminalise certain aspects of agriculture and introduce regulations that unfairly burden small-scale farmers and livestock keepers,” Riungu stated.

Many smallholder farmers, Riungu explained, grow crops and raise livestock primarily to feed their families, selling any surplus in local markets.

The proposed bills, if passed, would introduce punitive measures for farming practices that have been passed down through generations.

The coalition stresses that agriculture plays a critical role in Kenya’s economy.

Instead of imposing over-regulation, Kilimo Cha Haki argues that the government should promote self-regulation through cooperative societies, SACCOs, and local farmer organisations.

This approach, working in tandem with state agencies, would empower farmers and ensure the sector’s continued vibrancy and sustainability.

Kilimo Cha Haki is particularly concerned about the growing influence of multinational corporations in Kenya’s agricultural sector, especially since the lifting of the GMO ban.

The coalition fears that these bills are part of a broader agenda to hand over control of Kenya’s food sovereignty to corporate interests, undermining local farmers and jeopardising the country’s food security.

Kilimo Cha Haki is now rallying Kenyans of goodwill, lawyers, and other stakeholders to take legal action to challenge the constitutionality of these bills.

The group is determined to ensure that Kenya’s farmers and agricultural sector are protected from harmful legislation that could compromise their livelihoods and the nation’s food independence.

“Our farmers feed their families and contribute to the economy,” the movement emphasized. “We cannot allow Parliament to legislate against the very essence of farming in Kenya. These bills are punitive, unconstitutional, and a threat to our future,” Riungu added.

Kilimo Cha Haki calls on all Kenyans to stand in solidarity against these bills and defend the country’s food sovereignty for future generations…CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES>>>