Kilimo Cha Haki Launches Campaign Against Punitive Agricultural Bills
By irene Mwende
A coalition of concerned Kenyans, farmers, consumers, and activists has come together under the banner of Kilimo Cha Haki to resist a series of agricultural bills currently under debate in Kenya's 13th Parliament. These bills, nine in total, are seen as a direct threat to Kenya’s food security and sovereignty, and the movement warns they could have devastating consequences for the country’s agricultural sector, which contributes over 80% to the nation’s GDP.
Addressing the press KILIMO CHA HAKI CONVENER Mary Kathomi Riungu said they
Work to protect Food sovereignty and food security
Mary Kathomi Riungu highlighted the proposed bills ;
1 Agriculture and Food Authority Bill
2. Livestock Bill 2024 - tabled by Hon. Kimani Ichungwa
3. Mung Bean Bill 2022 - co-sponsored by Hon. Enoch Kiio Wambua and Hon. Paul Nzengu
4. Agriculture Professional Registration and Licensing Bill 2024 - tabled by Hon. Kanyuithia Mutunga
5. Nuts and Oil Crops Development Bill 2023 - tabled by Senator Hamida Kibwana
6. Horticultural Crop Authority Bill 2024 - tabled by Hon. Sabina Chege
7. Land Amendment Bill (withdrawn) - tabled by Hon. Kimani Ichungwa
8. Rice Bill 2024 - tabled by James Kamau Murango
9. Water Amendment Bill 2023
She also noted that Kilimo Cha Haki points out that Kenya already has 15 state agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture that oversee and regulate 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), Kenya Fisheries Services (KFS), and others—play a crucial role in regulating, overseeing, and formulating policies for the agricultural sector. These agencies, along with the County Governments, are meant to handle the regulatory functions that the new bills claim to address.
"The coalition argues that these bills are not only unnecessary but also unconstitutional. They criminalize certain aspects of agriculture and introduce regulations that unfairly burden small-scale farmers and livestock keepers." Mary Kathomi said
Kilimo Cha Haki emphasizes that many of these farmers grow crops and raise livestock primarily to feed their families, with any surplus sold in local markets. The bills, if passed, would legislate on their farming practices, potentially penalizing them for activities that have been part of their way of life for generations.
"The coalition highlights the critical role of agriculture in Kenya’s economy, stressing that instead of over-regulating, the government should be encouraging self-regulation through cooperative societies, SACCOs, and local farmer organizations working alongside state agencies. This would empower farmers and ensure that the sector remains vibrant and sustainable." She added
Another pressing concern for Kilimo Cha Haki is the growing influence of multinational corporations in Kenya’s agricultural sector, particularly since the ban on GMOs was lifted. They fear that these bills are part of a larger effort to hand control of Kenya’s food sovereignty to corporate interests, undermining local farmers and threatening the nation’s food security.
Kilimo Cha Haki is now mobilizing Kenyans of goodwill, along with 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 jeopardize their livelihoods and the country’s food independence.
"Our farmers feed their families and contribute to the economy," the movement states. "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." Mary Kathomi added
Kilimo Cha Haki urges all Kenyans to stand in solidarity against these bills and defend the country’s food sovereignty for generations to come.
