Food and feed producers in Kenya may benefit from reduced fees and improved safety measures if the Foods and Feed Safety Control and Coordination Bill, currently under consideration in the Senate, is enacted.
The bill aims to streamline regulatory processes and enhance the country’s food safety standards by consolidating the functions of multiple government agencies.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Paul Ronoh has outlined that the proposed legislation will establish the office of the food safety controller, designed to coordinate the activities of at least ten different government bodies involved in food and feed regulation. This consolidation is expected to significantly reduce the administrative and financial burden on businesses within the food and feed sectors.
Currently, the licensing process for players in the food and feed value chains involves multiple agencies, leading to increased production costs and instances where businesses face duplicate licensing fees due to overlapping functions.
The bill proposes the creation of a one-stop permit office to centralize these licensing processes, thereby streamlining regulatory requirements and potentially lowering costs for producers.
In its second reading before the Senate, the Foods and Feed Safety Control and Coordination Bill 2023 is anticipated to enhance food and feed trade and improve public health through better coordination and enforcement of safety standards. The bill also aims to boost Kenya’s food exports by implementing traceability systems that will ensure safer food handling from farm to consumption.
In addition to the legislative changes, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is contributing to food safety improvements in Kenya through a 64.5 million shilling capacity-building initiative. This venture is expected to further support the development of effective food safety practices in the country.
Overall, the bill represents a significant effort by the Kenyan government to modernize and improve the regulatory environment for food and feed production, fostering a more efficient and safer industry while potentially reducing operational costs for businesses.