Mung Beans Bill: Enoch Wambua Clarifies Only Large-Scale Ndengu Traders Will Pay Licences

• Kitui senator Enoch Wambua sponsored the Mung Beans Bill which was passed in the Senate and referred to the National Assembly
• Wambua dismissed media reports that if the bill is passed, all Kenyans will need to obtain a licence to grow mung beans
• He clarified that only large-scale traders must obtain licences, but small and medium-sized mung bean farmers must register themselves

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Kitui senator Enoch Wambua has clarified that only large-scale green grams (ndengu) traders will pay licences in the proposed Mung Beans Bill.

Wambua, the bill's sponsor, dismissed media reports that if the bill is passed, all Kenyans must obtain a licence to grow mung beans.

However, he noted that small and medium-sized farmers must register in their respective counties.

In a statement released through parliament on Thursday, August 16, the lawmaker said licences would only be necessary for those who plan to sell, process, or participate in extensive trade of mung beans and related products.

"Some reports incorrectly claim that Kenyans, in general, will need to obtain a licence to grow mung beans if the bill is passed. This is a misrepresentation of the bill's intentions and provisions," Wambua stated.

What did the Mung Beans Bill propose?

The Mung Beans Bill 2022 proposes that a person shall not market, process or carry out large-scale trading in mung beans or mung bean products unless the person has obtained a licence from the relevant county government.

It suggests the establishment of county licensing committees in all the devolved units countrywide.

If passed into law, a person who contravenes the provisions of subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both.

Why Kenyans were worried over Livestock Bill 2024

In related news, Kenyans voiced concerns over the proposed Livestock Bill 2024, introduced in parliament by Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung'wah.

The bill proposes fines of KSh 500,000 or up to one year of imprisonment for unregistered farmers manufacturing and selling animal feeds.

Many Kenyans, including social media users, criticised the bill, alleging it was influenced by foreign corporations and undermines the autonomy of local farmers.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.