The National Assembly has commenced debate on the Prevention of Livestock and Produce Theft Bill (Senate Bill No. 12 of 2023), a Bill seeking to establish a comprehensive framework to curb persistent livestock theft across the country.

Moving the Bill at Second Reading, North Imenti MP, Hon. Rahim Dawood said the proposed law is long overdue, noting that livestock and produce theft continues to undermine livelihoods, fuel insecurity, and result in loss of lives in affected regions.

“I beg to move that the Prevention of Livestock and Produce Theft Bill be now read a Second Time. The Bill has been in the halls of Parliament since 2023. It proposes to provide mechanisms for preventing, combating, and eventually eradicating livestock and produce theft in the country,” said Hon. Dawood.

He observed that despite the existence of the Stock and Produce Theft Act and provisions under the Penal Code, the vice has persisted, necessitating a more robust and coordinated legal framework.

Central to the Bill is the introduction of mandatory livestock branding and registration. Hon. Dawood explained that Clause 4 assigns the Cabinet Secretary responsibility to formulate a national policy on livestock identification and movement, while Clause 6 requires livestock owners to register unique brands with county authorities.

“Branding is like the number plates we have on cars. It identifies which vehicle is attached to the number plate. If livestock from Meru moves up to Samburu, branding will ensure livestock movement is followed up,” he said.

The Bill further proposes strict regulation of livestock movement, including permits for transportation and mandatory record-keeping by abattoirs. It also introduces stiff penalties, with offenders facing up to 20 years’ imprisonment for livestock theft under Clause 19.

Supporting the Bill, Baringo County MP, Hon. Florence Jematiah termed it timely, particularly for regions grappling with banditry and cattle rustling.

“This is a timely Bill, branding will enable livestock owners to identify them in case of theft and when recovering them after any theft by bandits,” she said, while calling for enhanced public participation to ensure farmers understand and adopt the new system.

However,  some Members, questioned its practicality and cost implications. Garissa Township MP, Hon. Dekow Mohamed opposed the Bill, arguing that it does not adequately reflect the realities of pastoralist communities.

“The Bill appears to have taken into account only one category of livestock producers. Branding 1,000 or 2,000 animals per family is not realistic. It will be very expensive,” he said.

Hon. Dekow further contended that existing community-based identification systems are effective and urged Parliament to strengthen current laws instead of introducing new regulatory burdens.

On his part, Kisumu East MP, Hon. Shakeel Shabbir backed the Bill but advocated for modern technological approaches such as electronic tagging.

“It is not the branding issue that is the problem. The issue is identifying animals. There is a small tag that is put under the ear. That tag is a locator. We are on M-Pesa and e-Citizen; we can adopt technology,” he said.

Kilome MP, Hon. Thuddeus Nzambia also supported the Bill but cautioned that weak enforcement and corruption within security agencies remain the primary drivers of livestock theft.

“Identification is not the main problem. Some of the people stealing livestock are arrested and later released. The Bill should focus on security enforcement,” he noted.

The Bill, which also seeks to repeal outdated statutes and empower county governments in livestock management, is expected to proceed to the Committee of the Whole House stage, where proposed amendments will be considered before a final vote.

If enacted, lawmakers say the legislation could significantly strengthen the fight against livestock theft while safeguarding livelihoods, particularly in pastoral and agricultural communities.