Kenya is poised to introduce significant regulatory measures for the mung bean (ndengu) industry, following the proposal of the Mung Beans Bill, 2022, currently under consideration in the Senate.
If passed into law, the Bill will enforce strict licensing requirements for all marketers, processors, and large-scale traders of mung beans in the country.
Under the provisions of the Bill, individuals engaged in these activities will be required to obtain a license from the relevant county government, with licenses subject to annual renewal.
Those found to be operating without a license will face hefty penalties, including fines of up to one million shillings and potential imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
The intent of this legislation, championed by Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, is to establish a regulatory framework that promotes the growth of the mung bean industry while safeguarding the interests of local farmers.
“Coming up with such a law is imperative as it will weed out exploitative brokers,” said Wambua.
He emphasized that the Bill aims to ensure that farmers, particularly those in Kitui and other regions, can fully benefit from their produce.
A county licensing committee will be established to oversee the application, renewal, and potential cancellation of licenses.
This committee will have the authority to revoke licenses for non-compliance with the regulations laid out in the Bill, thereby ensuring adherence to established standards.
Moreover, the Bill mandates county ministers to maintain a comprehensive register of all licensed growers, which will include critical details such as the grower’s name, land size, parcel number, and variety of mung beans cultivated.
Upholding Ndengu Industry Standards
This data will be forwarded to the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) on a regular basis to monitor compliance and uphold industry standards.
Beyond regulatory measures, the Mung Beans Bill also serves as a framework for supporting farmers in the production and marketing of their beans.
It advocates for the promotion of mung beans as a key component of food security in the country, encouraging their inclusion in national and county feeding programs.
The legislation envisions making the mung bean industry competitive on an international scale, ultimately boosting productivity and enhancing income for local growers.
The Bill has already passed through its first reading and subsequent legislative processes, garnering support for its aim to develop a sustainable mung bean industry, particularly in light of rising demand for this nutritious crop both locally and internationally. As the Senate prepares for further review, farmers and stakeholders across the country are hopeful for the positive impact it could have on their livelihoods and the agricultural sector as a whole.
