The Agricultural and Livestock Extension Services Bill, 2022
Status Timeline
Proposed
Active now
Public Review
Pending
Debate
Pending
Executive
Pending
Final
Pending
New National Extension Service Established
Establishes the Agricultural and Livestock Extension Service under Clause 6. This body corporate will be tasked with enhancing agricultural competitiveness, supporting research, and facilitating technology transfer between counties and international entities.
Mandatory Registration of Extension Providers
Clause 29 and Clause 30 require any extension services officer or private entity intending to provide extension services to register with their respective county government. Counties must maintain an up-to-date register of these providers.
Counties Empowered to Enact Local Licensing Laws
Under Clause 37, county governments may enact specific local legislation to establish registration criteria, issue licences, set fees, and define conditions for renewal or cancellation of extension service licences.
Up to KSh 500,000 Fine for Undisclosed Board Conflicts
The Schedule (paragraph 5) establishes strict disclosure of interest rules for Board members. Failure to declare a conflict of interest constitutes an offence punishable by a fine up to KSh 500,000, imprisonment for up to seven years, or both.
Bill No.
Bill No. 12 of 2022
Gazette No.
Supplement No. 205 of 2022
Background
Agricultural and livestock extension services in Kenya face coordination challenges among national, county, and private actors. The Agricultural and Livestock Extension Services Bill, 2022 seeks to streamline this sector by establishing a centralized Service, creating national and county-level policy frameworks, and regulating service providers to improve overall agricultural productivity and food safety.
Key Amendments
- Establishment of the Agricultural and Livestock Extension Service: Clause 6 establishes the Service as a body corporate with a Board of Directors to manage its operations, advise governments on priority areas, and evaluate agricultural research.
- National and County Strategies: Under Clause 4, the Cabinet Secretary must publish a National Extension Services Policy at least once every five years. Under Clause 5, County Executive Committee (CEC) members must formulate and publish county-specific extension services strategies aligned with the national policy.
New Obligations
- Registration and Licensing: Clause 29 requires all extension services officers and private entities to register with their respective county governments. Under Clause 30, county governments must maintain a public register detailing names, qualifications, and specialties of these providers.
- Publicizing Services: County executive committee members are required under Clause 31 to publish details of available services, delivery officers, emerging pests/diseases, and preventive measures on a county website or another easily accessible platform.
- Adherence to Rules: Under Clause 38, any person offering extension services must adhere to prescribed procedures, standards, and codes of ethics.
Penalties
- Conflict of Interest Non-Disclosure: Under Paragraph 5 of the Schedule, any Board member who fails to disclose a direct or indirect interest in a matter before the Board commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding KSh 500,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years, or both.
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