Kenyans Face Ksh1 Million Fine For Selling Groundnuts And Coconuts Without Permit
Licensing will be mandatory for the processing and sale of nuts and oil crops in Kenya, a development that is expected to have repercussions on an industry that has been impacted by cartels and intermediaries.
As per the Nuts and Oil Crops Development Bill 2023, which was introduced in Parliament, individuals from Kenya who engage in the trade of nuts, such as ground nuts, macadamia nuts, and coconut, will be obligated to obtain a permit.
As per the legislation, nuts comprise ground almonds, coconut, cashews, macadamias, and bambaras. Jojoba, sunflower, sesame, safflower, and palm are examples of oils.
Individuals caught participating in the trade without the required permits face a potential penalty of Ksh1 million in fines, two years in prison, or both.
“A person who intends to process nuts and oil products shall apply the form prescribed in county legislation to county executive committee member,” reads part of the bill.
By the county committee’s guidelines, all documents and information requested from applicants will be mandatory.
The committee shall examine the application within fourteen days of receipt and either grant licenses, deny renewals or deny issuances.
ALSO READ:
- Chebukati tells Kenya 2022 election success story in Portugal
- Government Eases Farmer Burdens: Tax Relief & Strategic Milk Reserve Unveiled
Any written decision rendered by the committee shall be duly informed to the applicant within seven days.
Upon rejection, the applicant shall be duly apprised of the grounds for the denial.
To reform the sector, the legislation introduced by Senator Hamida Kibwana, who has been nominated, aims to establish regulations and institutional standards that govern the industry’s operations.
“There is a need for a string and robust policy and institutional foundation to support and guide the multitude of activities, operations, and interactions with the industry so that the growth of the industry results in a strengthened agricultural economy for the country,” she stated.
By encouraging value addition in the processing of nuts and their products, the bill proposes to allow for the appreciation of the aesthetic, touristic, medicinal, and artistic worth of diverse oil crops and nuts.
Additionally, it proposes the formation of the Nuts and Oil Crops Development Board to oversee the industry.
Kenyans Face Ksh1 Million Fine For Selling Groundnuts And Coconuts Without Permit
