National Assembly considers Bill to establish standalone law for maize sector

David Wafula

1 hour ago

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A legislative proposal seeking to establish a standalone legal framework to govern Kenya’s maize sector is under consideration by the National Assembly.

The National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee, chaired by Endebess MP Robert Pukose, reviewed the proposed Maize Bill, 2026, which has been sponsored by Moiben MP Phylis Bartoo.

The Bill seeks to amend the Crops Act, 2013, by removing maize from the list of scheduled crops. It also proposes amendments to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Act to facilitate the transfer of maize-related assets and functions to a newly established Maize Board of Kenya.

Presenting the proposed legislation, Bartoo said the current legal framework has not provided adequate attention to the maize sector despite its critical role in Kenya’s economy and food security.

“The government has supported maize farmers over the years, but they still need to be cushioned. This Bill provides maize with a dedicated legal framework instead of regulating it under the broader AFA Act,” Bartoo told the committee.

In addition to establishing the Maize Board of Kenya, the Bill proposes the creation of a Maize Research Institute to coordinate research and innovation within the sector, a Maize Development Fund to finance programmes aimed at improving production and marketing, and a Maize Arbitration Tribunal to resolve disputes arising along the maize value chain.

The proposed law would also assign county governments greater responsibilities in the management of the sector. These include registering maize farmers, collecting agricultural data, providing extension services, and monitoring pests and diseases affecting maize production.

Members of the Budget and Appropriations Committee are expected to continue scrutinising the Bill before making recommendations to the National Assembly on whether it should proceed in its current form or be amended to avoid duplication of functions currently performed by existing institutions.