Ksh 500K Fine And Jail Term Proposed For Kenyans Breeding Chicken At Home
The aim of The Livestock (Poultry Industry) Regulations 2023 is to oversee and control the breeding of poultry in both commercial and subsistence farming.
In the proposal posted on the Ministry of Agriculture’s website, poultry encompasses items such as poultry products, chicken, duck, ostrich, goose, turkey, quail, pigeon, guinea fowl, and any domesticated wild bird intended for human consumption, commercial use, or other related purposes.
Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi has the authority, through an official gazette notice, to designate any additional bird species as part of the poultry category.
As per the records, if a farmer violates the regulations, they could face either a fine of up to Ksh500,000, imprisonment for a maximum of one year, or both upon being found guilty.
One of the government’s aims is to arrange and enhance the coordination of the poultry sector, including the registration of poultry, breeders, and any pertinent associations established within the industry.
It also aims to boost the output and efficiency of producing safe and high-quality poultry and its related products, promoting safe methods for handling, storing, enhancing value, and effectively distributing poultry products.
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Under the rules, farmers must enroll their poultry, such as chickens, and furnish the necessary information when asked. Additionally, there will be the establishment of a Livestock Inputs and Products Regulatory Authority tasked with monitoring all records, both manual and digital.
A poultry business owner can get registered by the County Government in their area. Additionally, those running a poultry business for commercial reasons must maintain a record of their poultry in a prescribed format.
A person raising birds for non-commercial reasons can also maintain a record of their listed poultry in a designated format.
It further adds that “A person shall not conduct any business as a dealer in poultry equipment unless they are registered and has a certificate of registration, and holds a current license issued by the Authority to operate as such.
“The Authority shall charge such fee for registration and licensing as the Cabinet Secretary shall approve. Any person that contravenes this Regulation commits an offense.”
Role of Farmers, Breeders, Producers and Processors
Those individuals must ensure that the equipment, containers, crates, and vehicles used in the production, preparation, grading, packing, storage, and transportation of poultry and its products are kept clean and appropriately disinfected as needed after cleaning.
They must also utilize fresh water and take measures to minimize the risk of animals and pests causing harmful contamination to the equipment.
Additional demands involve the proper segregation and secure management of both waste and hazardous materials to avoid equipment contamination, while also complying with hygiene and biosecurity laws applicable to the equipment.
Additional important terms outlined in The Livestock (Poultry Industry) Regulations, 2023
The poultry industry, as defined by regulations, encompasses any operation related to the breeding, raising, processing, selling, or distribution of poultry and its derived products.
A Poultry Operator refers to any individual, farmer, or entity involved in any aspect of poultry-related activities. This encompasses various poultry operations such as breeding, production, purchasing, selling, processing, storage, transportation, and distribution, whether conducted for commercial or non-commercial reasons.
Poultry product refers to the remains or sections of a bird or fowl, along with any item made from or obtained from these bird sections, including eggs.
PoliticalPulseChat contacted Livestock PS Jonathan Mueke for input on the regulations, but unfortunately, he was not available to comment before the article was published.
Lately, the government introduced the Animal Production Professionals and Technicians Bill 2023, which outlines a penalty of Ksh500,000, six-month imprisonment, or both for individuals in Kenya who raise farm animals like cows and goats without obtaining a license.
Ksh 500K Fine And Jail Term Proposed For Kenyans Breeding Chicken At Home