Governors back Livestock Sustainability Bill, want scope widened

Matilda Hilda on her farm in Ganje Changawa Mwareni village, Kilifi county. [File, Standard]

The Council of Governors (CoG) has supported the Livestock Sustainability Bill saying it will address critical aspects of sustainability within the livestock sector, which is central to the livelihoods of millions of Kenyans in the Arid and Semi Arid Lands (ASAL) regions.

Garissa Governor Nathif Jamaa, who appeared before the Senate Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Committee on behalf of COG, recommends that the proposed law sponsored by Samburu Senator Dr Lelegwe Ltumbesi be merged with the broader legal framework governing the livestock sector.

Jamaa, who appeared before the Committee chaired by Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango, said integrating the Bill into a comprehensive livestock sector legal framework will prevent legal fragmentation, ensure more effective policy implementation, and create a cohesive, long-term strategy for sustainable livestock development.

"While the Bill primarily focuses on drought as a key hazard, it would be prudent to broaden the scope to cover other hazards that impact the livestock sector, such as diseases, floods, and other disasters ensuring a more inclusive approach that addresses the full range of threats to the sector," said Jama.

He said this approach will strengthen regulation and management in the sector, safeguard stakeholders' interests, and contribute to the sustainable growth of Kenya's livestock industry, thereby fostering greater economic and social development.

The Bill that seeks to provide a legal framework that promotes the resilience of livestock sector in the face of drought and other associated risks emphasizing both protection and sustainable development is before the Senate

The bill recognizes the importance of the sector to both national and county economies and is structured to address the multifaceted challenges faced by livestock farmers to ensure the sector's sustainable growth.

To ensure Livestock production and sustainability is achieved, the bill requires counties to develop and implement strategies for protection of livestock from diseases, disasters, threats and promote sustainable livestock farming methods, establish a strategic livestock feed reserve and develop and maintain a data system on livestock health, feed risks and related concerns.