The Kenyan government is planning to crack down on illegal poultry trade and disease outbreaks by appointing chicken inspectors who will have the power to raid homes and vehicles in search of poultry, its products, inputs and equipment.
The Livestock (Poultry Industry) Regulations 2023, which are expected to be gazetted soon, will also impose hefty fines of up to Ksh500,000 or imprisonment for a period of one year or both for anyone who impersonates the inspectors or obstructs their work.
The Ministry of Agriculture, which drafted the proposal, said that the inspectors will be officers appointed by the Livestock Inputs and Products Regulatory Authority (LIPRA), a new body that will oversee the poultry industry in Kenya.
“The inspectors will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the regulations, enforcing standards, preventing and controlling diseases, and safeguarding public health and animal welfare,” said the Director of Livestock Production at the ministry.
He added that the inspectors will be able to stop, search or detain any aircraft, ship or vehicle that is suspected of carrying poultry, its products, inputs or equipment without a valid permit or certificate from LIPRA.
“The inspectors will also be able to enter and inspect any premises, including homes, where poultry, its products, inputs or equipment are kept, processed, stored or sold,” he said.
In addition he said that the regulations are aimed at improving the quality and safety of poultry products, enhancing the competitiveness of the industry, and protecting consumers and farmers from unscrupulous traders and diseases. He urged all stakeholders in the poultry industry to comply with the regulations and cooperate with the inspectors, saying that they will benefit from improved services and market access.
“We want to make the poultry industry more productive, profitable and sustainable for the benefit of all Kenyans,” he said.
By Newsmedia