The Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock in the National Assembly has kicked off a series of coordinated visits to collect views from, and further sensitize coffee farmers in the country on the proposed Coffee Bill (2021) as is constitutionally expected of Parliament to engage stakeholders as well as the general public in the process of drafting any legislation.
A sub-Committee of the Departmental Committee, led by Vice Chairperson Hon Catherine Waruguru (Laikipia) kicked off Public Participation on the Proposed law at Kabire Grounds, in Tinderet Constituency, Nandi County where they were hosted by area MP Hon Julius Kibiwott Melly.
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In their submissions to the sub-committee, coffee farmers in the region lauded the move, stating that for years their needs and interests have never been specifically catered to, as they have always been lumped up with all other cash crops.
They urged the legislators to ensure that the law is passed, with a proposal in the document to establish a coffee Research Centre getting great support from all stakeholders who expressed that it will greatly impact on the quality of products that will be churned into the local and international markets.
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The farmers suggested among other issues that: the composition of the Board should have 8 representaives from farmers, and the Chairperson should be elected from amongst the Board Members.
The farmers also want a Form Four certificate to be the minimum qualification for appointment to the board.
They are however opposed to a suggestion by the proposed law to use a direct settlement system.
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The Coffee Bill, seeks to provide a legal framework for the development, regulation, and promotion of the Coffee industry to provide for the establishment, powers, and functions of the Coffee Board of Kenya and for all other related purposes.
The Sub-Committee begun its day’s activities by making a courtesy visit the Office of the Nandi County Commissioner as is the custom of parliamentary committees .
This is usually done to apprise the regional heads on the planned activities and to understand the issues expected to rise from their engagement with the public.
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Today, the delegation is expected to carry out Public hearings on the same Bill in Kericho County.
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