Kenyan Livestock keepers are likely to experience changes and adjustments to their normal routine after a bill was proposed that every Kenyan rearing farm animal should have a license otherwise, they get a fine of Ksh. 500,000 or be jailed for six months or both.
Th proposal which is outlined in the Animal Production Professionals and Technical Bill 2023, seeks to provide training, registration and licensing of animal production professionals, technicians, specialists and firms. The bill is also set to regulate the standards and practices of the Animal Production Profession.
“Any person who carries out animal production services without having been registered under this Act, or otherwise contravenes any provisions of this part, commits an offense and shall be liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding Ksh 500,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both,” part of the bill reads.
Kenyans seeking for this license are set to apply at the Animal Production Professionals Board and wait for approval within a stipulated period after paying the set fee and which shall serve a period of 1 year that is from January 1st to December 31st.
The license may however be suspended by the board for various reasons, including false information in the application. If the licence is cancelled, the person will be required to surrender their certificate of registration to the board’s Registrar or be fined Ksh50,000.
Foreigners may notably qualify to acquire licences under some various circumstances and guidelines including if they were offering animal production services in another country.
The Board after approval shall hold the individual or firm’s name and other details and shall also be expected to pay an annual fee as prescribed by the board. The board shall also offer programs on professional development activities relating to animal production from recognized institution across the country and those who participate shall receive credit points.
“Every registered and licensed person under this Act shall undertake annual continuing professional development activities,” reads part of the bill.