News in Brief:
– A new bill in Kenya proposes that sellers of fertiliser and animal feed require qualifications in agriculture.
– The aim is to improve standards and ensure farmers receive proper guidance on using these products effectively.
A bill currently under consideration by the Kenyan parliament proposes stricter regulations for the sale of agricultural inputs like fertilisers and animal feeds.
The Agricultural Professionals Registration and Licensing Bill 2024, sponsored by Tigania West MP John Mutunga, would require sellers to possess a degree, diploma, or certificate in an agricultural field.
Overall, this legislation seeks to elevate the agricultural sector by establishing a professional standard for those involved in the sale of these crucial inputs. Proponents of the bill argue that requiring relevant qualifications will ensure sellers have the necessary knowledge to provide farmers with proper guidance on selecting and using fertilisers and animal feeds effectively.
Additionally, the bill proposes the creation of an Agricultural Professionals Registration and Licensing Board. This body would be responsible for registering qualified individuals, issuing annual licenses to operate, and overseeing the conduct of practitioners within the sector.
If passed, this legislation would bring the agricultural input sales profession in line with other regulated professions in Kenya, such as medicine, law, engineering, and accounting.
