A Bill seeking to reform Kenya's livestock sector through preventing and combating cattle rustling was introduced in the National Assembly on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.   

The Prevention of Livestock and Produce Theft Bill, 2023 was introduced in the House following its passage in the Senate.

 The Bill co-sponsored by Hon. Rahim Dawood (North Imenti) and Sen. Samson Cherarkey (Nandi)  seek to provide a framework for the establishment of mechanisms for preventing, combating and eventually eradicating livestock and produce theft.

 Livestock theft is a problem that has continued to persist over time and has often led to the loss of life and destruction of property and therefore the livelihoods of the affected communities. 

 Despite the existence of the Stock and Produce Theft Act and provisions under the Penal Code prohibiting livestock and produce theft, the practice has continued and it has therefore become necessary to address it comprehensively.

 The Bill seeks to provide a framework for the branding of livestock and the requirement to obtain permits when livestock is to be moved from one premise to another. This is geared towards facilitating tracing and recovery of livestock. 

 It also proposes to create a number of offences relating to livestock and produce theft and imposes stiffer penalties on commission of the offences.

 “Where, for the purpose of stealing any livestock or produce, or in the course of stealing any livestock or produce, violence or the threat of violence is used, such a person is liable, on conviction, to a life term of imprisonment,” part of the Bill states.

 The Bill further says that a person who steals or receives stolen livestock or produce shall have committed an offence whose punishment will be 20 years in jail.

 In the Bill, the National and county governments will be obligated to put in place measures that not only protect livestock keeping communities from livestock theft but also enhance the socio- economic welfare of these communities through education and the promotion of alternative means of livelihoods.