Kenya’s livestock industry contributes to the country’s food security, economy, and rural livelihoods. However, for this sector to thrive sustainably, all actors—farmers, processors, retailers, and wholesalers—must operate within national laws and regulations. Whether you rear animals, process meat or dairy, or distribute animal-based products, understanding and complying with the law is not optional—it’s essential.
Here is a comprehensive overview of the key laws and regulations that every stakeholder in Kenya’s livestock value chain must be familiar with:
1. The Animal Diseases Act (Cap. 364)
This law governs the control and prevention of animal diseases. It grants the government authority to declare quarantines, conduct inspections, and regulate the movement of animals. Livestock keepers must report notifiable diseases immediately and follow directives on vaccination and disease control.
Key obligations:
• Do not move animals from one area to another without movement permits.
• Comply with quarantine orders.
• Allow veterinary officers to inspect your animals and premises.
2. The Meat Control Act (Cap. 356)
This act regulates the slaughter, processing, and sale of meat. It mandates licensing of slaughterhouses, meat transporters, and traders, and prescribes hygiene standards and inspection procedures.
Key obligations:
• Only slaughter animals in licensed abattoirs.
• Do not sell meat that hasn’t been inspected and stamped by a veterinary public health officer.
• Maintain hygienic premises and practices.
3. The Dairy Industry Act (Cap. 336) and Subsidiary Regulations
Administered by the Kenya Dairy Board, this act regulates the production, collection, processing, and marketing of milk and dairy products.
Key regulations to note:
• Dairy Industry (Dairy Produce Safety) Regulations, 2021: Outlines hygiene, quality, and traceability requirements for all dairy operators.
• Dairy Industry (Licensing of Dealers) Regulations: Requires all milk dealers to obtain a valid permit.
• Dairy Industry (Raw Milk Sales Contract) Regulations: All raw milk sales must be covered by written contracts.
Key obligations:
• Maintain clean milk-handling equipment and infrastructure.
• Do not sell adulterated or contaminated milk.
• Obtain appropriate licenses for production, processing, transport, or retail.
4. The Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Para-Professionals Act (No. 29 of 2011)
This law regulates the provision of veterinary services. It ensures that only qualified and registered professionals treat animals or offer advisory services.
Key obligations:
• Do not allow unregistered individuals to perform veterinary procedures.
• Engage certified vets or para-veterinarians for animal health services.
5. The Public Health Act (Cap. 242)
This act touches on all aspects of food safety, environmental sanitation, and disease control. It grants public health officers authority to inspect facilities and enforce hygiene standards.
Key obligations:
• Maintain high sanitary standards in animal housing, processing facilities, and markets.
• Comply with health inspection requirements.
• Ensure your livestock enterprise does not create a nuisance or risk to public health.
6. The Standards Act (Cap. 496)
Enforced by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), this act mandates compliance with set standards for animal feeds, processed products, packaging, and labelling.
Key obligations:
• Ensure feed, milk, meat, and value-added products meet Kenyan standards (e.g., KS EAS standards).
• Do not sell substandard or mislabelled products.
• Undergo quality certification where applicable.
7. The Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act (Cap. 254)
This law regulates the sale and use of veterinary drugs and chemicals, and the safety of food products including animal-origin foods.
Key obligations:
• Use veterinary drugs as prescribed and observe withdrawal periods.
• Do not use banned substances (e.g., hormonal growth promoters).
• Keep records of drug usage.
8. The Biosafety Act, 2009
This act is relevant for farmers using genetically modified feeds or livestock. It regulates the importation and use of GMOs in Kenya.
Key obligations:
• Seek permits for GMO feeds or products.
• Follow labelling and handling guidelines.
9. The Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA, Cap. 387)
Implemented by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), this act mandates environmental responsibility for all enterprises.
Key obligations:
• Prevent pollution from livestock waste and processing by-products.
• Conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for large farms or slaughter facilities.
• Implement waste management systems.
10. The Weights and Measures Act (Cap. 513)
This law ensures fairness in trade by regulating measuring equipment and standards.
Key obligations:
• Use approved and calibrated weighing equipment.
• Do not misrepresent quantities of livestock or livestock products during sale.
11. The Animal Welfare and Protection Bill (Pending legislation)
Though not yet enacted, this bill seeks to standardize the humane treatment of animals across all systems of production and trade.
Anticipated obligations:
• Provide adequate food, water, shelter, and medical care.
• Avoid cruel practices in handling, transport, or slaughter.
• Align with global animal welfare benchmarks.
How AgriNutri Ventures Ltd Supports Compliance
Understanding and applying all these legal requirements can be daunting, especially for smallholder farmers and growing agribusinesses. That’s where AgriNutri Ventures Ltd comes in. AgriNutri Ventures works closely with livestock farmers, processors, and distributors to ensure full legal compliance through technical training, policy interpretation, business audits, and standard operating procedures tailored to each enterprise. Whether you're establishing a new dairy processing line, applying for livestock transport permits, or seeking to align your operation with food safety standards, AgriNutri Ventures provides expert support to help you navigate regulatory hurdles and scale legally and sustainably.
Conclusion
Compliance with livestock sector laws in Kenya is not just about ticking boxes—it’s about safeguarding public health, ensuring fair trade, protecting the environment, and upholding animal welfare. Farmers, processors, and traders who embrace these regulations position themselves for long-term growth and market access. Partnering with us at AgriNutri Ventures ensures that your enterprise not only meets legal standards but thrives within them.
