The National Assembly has passed the Crops (Amendment) Bill, 2023. The Bill sponsored by Hon. Tandaza Kassim seeks to officially recognize Achiote locally known as "𝘔𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘪"as a scheduled crop under the Crops Act No. 16 of 2013 to revitalize the agricultural sector and empower coastal farmers.

Achiote (Bixa Orellana) is a hardy, drought-resistant shrub primarily grown in Kwale and Lamu counties. Its seeds produce bixin, the world’s second most important natural colorant, which is increasingly sought after by the global food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries as a healthy alternative to synthetic dyes.

Despite its vast potential, farmers have historically struggled with a lack of financial support, inadequate incentives, and inconsistent markets because the crop was not formally recognized in the national agricultural framework.

By bringing Achiote "𝘔𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘪" into the First Schedule, the government can now intervene to provide, marketing, distribution, value addition and farmer protection.