Livestock thieves could soon face up to five years in jail or fines of Sh2 million, if a new Senate Bill is passed into law. The proposed legislation: Prevention of Livestock and Produce Theft Bill, 2023, aims to provide stronger protection for pastoralist communities long plagued by cattle rustling and produce theft.
The Bill introduces strict punitive measures alongside new systems for tracking and identifying animals. These include mandatory branding and the requirement for removal permits whenever livestock are transported from one location to another. Lawmakers say the measures will make it easier for authorities to recover stolen animals and prosecute offenders.
Beyond punishment, the Bill places obligations on both national and county governments to safeguard pastoralist households. It calls for programs that not only protect livestock keepers but also improve their socioeconomic welfare through education and alternative income-generating opportunities.
“The Bill imposes an obligation on governments to protect livestock-keeping communities while enhancing their welfare through education and promotion of alternative livelihoods,” the draft states.
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The Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, which reviewed the Bill, has backed its passage but recommended that fines be adjusted to reflect the severity of different offences. The Committee also emphasized the need for a regional approach, urging stronger border controls and collaboration with Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, where cross-border cattle theft remains a persistent challenge.
According to the Committee’s report, the Bill establishes a comprehensive legal framework covering livestock identification, regulation of movement and trade, prevention of theft, and recovery of stolen animals.
If enacted, the legislation is expected to provide pastoralist communities with robust legal safeguards and institutional support, reducing livestock theft and reinforcing security in counties where cattle rustling has historically undermined livelihoods.
By Masaki Enock
