Kajiado: The Kajiado County Assembly Sectoral Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, Veterinary Services, Fisheries, and Irrigation, in partnership with the Consumer Grassroots Association, has initiated a public engagement process to discuss the newly proposed Agriculture Sector Coordination Bill, 2024. The bill is designed to improve the management and efficiency of agricultural services within the county, which is considered crucial for the economic stability of the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initial public participation session took place at Inkisanchani, Kajiado South, where the committee engaged with a wide range of stakeholders including farmers, livestock keepers, and representatives from various points in the agricultural value chain. The participants discussed their experiences and the challenges they face with the current agricultural frameworks. Key issues raised included the need for better coordination among agricultural services and the impact of middlemen on farmers’ earnings.
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armers, particularly those cultivating tomatoes and onions, expressed hope that the new bill would tackle the perennial challenges they face. Livestock keepers emphasized the importance of integrated veterinary services to prevent disease outbreaks and improve animal health. Additionally, there was a strong call for measures to protect farmers from exploitation by intermediaries.
Joseph Mutunkei, the Chairperson of the Committee and Ildamat MCA, reassured stakeholders that the proposed bill would provide a comprehensive framework to unify all agricultural agencies and service providers. “The Bill seeks to establish an agricultural sector steering committee from the county to the ward level to coordinate all agricultural sectors, including non-state actors, whether in fisheries, livestock keeping, or agriculture, to streamline relevant policies and legislation that promote all agricultural-related activities,” Mutunkei stated.
During the discussions, participants also highlighted the need for the bill to spe
cifically address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers and incorporate policies that support sustainable agricultural practices. There was a strong advocacy for the inclusion of climate-smart agriculture techniques to help mitigate the effects of climate change on farming.
The Agriculture Sector Coordination Bill, 2024, aims not only to streamline agricultural management but also to foster an environment conducive to innovation, reduce operational redundancies, and enhance service delivery across the agricultural value chain.