The National Assembly has withdrawn the Livestock Bill, 2024 to enable the State Department of Livestock conduct comprehensive public participation on the Bill.

 Leader of the Majority Party, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah (Kikuyu) told the House that it was important to involve all stakeholders in the legislative process.

 Hon. Ichung’wah added that he had written to the Principal Secretary (PS) for Livestock to conduct comprehensive public participation on the Bill before it is reintroduced in the House.

The withdrawn Bill, seeks to provide for the development of the livestock sector and the regulation of livestock inputs and livestock products; research and capacity building in the livestock sector; the establishment of livestock agencies and training agencies. 

 Hon. Ichung'wah acknowledged that Kenyans had raised concerns about the Bill and the House had listened to them.

  "It is, therefore, crucial that the public understands the implications of this legislation and have an opportunity to provide input," he said.

The House noted that a recent court decision that nullified the Social Health Insurance Act (SHIF) stated that there was insufficient public sensitization on the Bill.  

The Principal Secretary for Livestock Development has been tasked with engaging with various stakeholders, including livestock farmers, industry players, and civil society organizations, to gather their views on the proposed legislation. The Ministry is expected to submit a report to the National Assembly detailing the outcome of the public consultation.

 "Upon completion of the sensitization process, we shall await your further guidance on this matter on whether the Bill should be withdrawn to allow for further consultations; revised and republished for consideration by Parliament; or proceed with subject to the comments of the public and stakeholders being incorporated at the appropriate stage of consideration of the Bill," the letter by Hon. Ichung'wah to the PS read in part.  

According to the Leader of the Majority Party the fate of the Bill lies on the feedback received from the public. It may be withdrawn, revised, or proceeded with, incorporating public input as necessary.