Members of Parliament have this afternoon rejected the Mung Beans Bill, 2023, at the second reading stage. This Bill, introduced by Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua who sought to regulate the production, processing, and marketing of mung beans (commonly referred to as ndengu in Kenya). Its primary aim was to address challenges facing farmers, such as fluctuating prices, exploitation by middlemen, and lack of proper market access.
A Vision for Farmer Support
The Bill proposed establishing a framework for structured government support, similar to that provided for tea, coffee, and sugarcane farmers. It had received overwhelming backing from various agricultural stakeholders, especially in Kitui County, where mung beans farming is a key economic activity.
During public participation forums in Kitui earlier this year, County Agriculture CEC Stephen Kimwele emphasized that passing the Bill would empower farmers, ensuring they reap the full benefits of their harvests without interference from exploitative brokers. He pointed out that in 2018, Kitui farmers harvested 50,000 tonnes of ndengu, earning Ksh 2.5 billion.
Local farmers and traders echoed these sentiments, urging Parliament to approve the Bill to formalize the mung beans sector and provide much-needed government intervention. The bill was expected to increase profitability, secure fair market prices, and modernize production processes.
Parliamentary Opposition
Despite the strong local support, the Bill faced opposition in the National Assembly. During the debate, MPs raised concerns over the proposed regulatory frameworks, fearing that they would introduce unnecessary bureaucracy and complicate the licensing processes for small-scale farmers and traders. As a result, the Bill was rejected during the second reading, a critical stage in the legislative process.
Next Steps: Mediation
The rejection of the Bill does not necessarily mark its end. As per Article 113 of the Kenyan Constitution, the Bill will proceed to a mediation committee, where members from both the Senate and the National Assembly will attempt to reconcile their positions. If a compromise is reached, the Bill may be resubmitted for consideration in both Houses.
In addition to the Mung Beans Bill, the National Assembly also discussed amendments to other key legislation, including the Coffee Bill, 2023, and the Technopolis Bill, 2024, which aim to boost innovation and the livelihoods of coffee farmers.
