The Livestock Bill, 2026

In short

The Livestock Bill 2026 aims to boost food security, safety, and market access by structuring the livestock industry. It clearly defines the roles of both National and County governments to ensure seamless extension services and standard enforcement. The Bill establishes the Livestock Sector Transformation Fund to finance strategic programs and stabilize prices during disasters. It also creates several specialized regulatory, research, and marketing bodies to oversee animal inputs, vaccines, genetics, and leather development. Ultimately, this law seeks to transition Kenyan livestock farming into a highly competitive, commercialized, and modern sector.

Clause by clause

1. Clause 6

   Roles of the National Government

   Directs the National Government to provide affordable inputs, establish strategic feed reserves, stabilize prices, and manage national breeding programs.

2. Clause 7

   Roles of County Governments

   Requires county governments to deliver extension services, facilitate access to credit and insurance, and construct local markets and value-addition infrastructure.

3. Clause 8

   Establishment of the Livestock Sector Transformation Fund

   Creates a dedicated fund to finance strategic livestock programs, build resilience, and mitigate disasters like droughts affecting pastoralists.

4. Clause 13

   Livestock Inputs and Products Regulatory Authority

   Establishes a regulatory body to control the quality, manufacture, and sale of animal feeds, breeding genetics, and equipment.

5. Clause 20

   Powers of Compliance Officers and Inspectors

   Grants inspectors the power to enter business premises, take samples, inspect records, and seize substandard livestock inputs or products.

6. Clause 22

   Kenya Livestock Research Organisation

   Establishes a national body dedicated to conducting and coordinating scientific research on livestock diseases, feeds, and food safety.

7. Clause 35

   Livestock and Livestock Products Marketing Board

   Creates a board to promote local and international trade, brand Kenyan meat, and implement livestock identification and traceability systems.

8. Clause 42

   Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Institute

   Establishes an institute to manufacture, market, and distribute affordable and safe veterinary vaccines locally and internationally.

9. Clause 54

   Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre

   Establishes a center to conserve animal genetic resources, manage a national gene bank, and distribute high-quality semen and embryos for breeding.

10. Clause 60

    Kenya Leather Development Authority

    Establishes an authority to promote the leather industry, set up industrial parks, and support small businesses making leather goods.