Farmers plan protest over 'punitive' agriculture Bills

Several groups have raised concerns over nine controversial bills that they claim violate over 50 articles of the constitution, all while increasing regulatory burdens on farmers. 

These laws, according to Kilimo cha Haki farmer’s advocacy group, would centralize control of Kenya’s agriculture under a singular regulatory body raising fears of increased costs and restricted autonomy for farmers.

One of the most contentious pieces of legislation is the Agricultural Professionals Licensing Bill. This bill mandates that anyone involved in farming must obtain certification, with a minimum requirement of a diploma in agricultural studies.

Failure to comply would result in severe penalties, including a jail term of at least two years or a fine of up to Ksh 500,000.

Farmers argue that such stringent requirements will disproportionately affect small-scale farmers who cannot afford formal agricultural education but have been farming for generations.

Additional laws such as the Mung Bean (Ndengu) Bill, the Land Amendment Bill, and the Water Amendment Bill have also sparked outrage among agriculturalists.

These bills regulate the production, safety and marketing of crops and introduce more licensing and restrictions.

According to Mary Kathomi of Kilimo cha Haki, “These bills are threatening our food security because Kenya is an agricultural country.”

She warns that as these regulations touch on every factor of production, the cost of food will inevitably rise, pushing millions into food insecurity.

On the legal front, the Kilimo cha Haki group has announced plans to challenge the constitutionality of these bills.

Today, farmers intend to march to the Ministry of Agriculture, Parliament and the Senate to protest before filing a petition with the High Court.

Joseph Mwai, an advocate, highlighted concerns about the violation of Article 11(3) of the constitution which mandates the protection of indigenous seeds.

“We can’t help but think there’s a malicious push to pass these bills. Parliament is going against the constitution by trying to take control of seed rights away from the communities that depend on them,” he said.