In a recent statement, Senator Sifuna has addressed and dispelled claims circulating on social media regarding a purported requirement for a license to plant ‘Ndengu’, locally known as ‘ndengu.’

Sifuna clarified that there is no such law currently before the Senate. He emphasized that the Mung Bill recently passed does not contain any provisions necessitating a license for planting this crop. The Senator criticized the media for what he described as “professional outrage hunting,” suggesting that recent sensationalist reports have been misleading.

Under the new Bill, strict measures will be enforced for all aspects of ‘Ndengu’ production. The amendment states that only licensed individuals and entities will be permitted to engage in large-scale mung bean farming. The licensing process will be managed by the relevant county governments, which will issue and keep track of these permits.

The Bill outlines that the Agriculture and Food Authority will maintain a comprehensive register of all mung bean growers, buyers, and other registered or licensed entities. Meanwhile, each county’s executive committee member will be responsible for managing records of all licenses issued.

“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,” the amendment bill states.

This proposed legislation aims to tighten control over mung bean production and ensure that only qualified individuals handle this crop. It reflects a broader trend of increasing regulatory measures in the agricultural sector.

READ MORE:PRESIDENT RUTO REWARDS MILLIONS TO KENYAN OLYMPIC HEROES

As this Bill progresses through the Senate, stakeholders in the ‘Ndengu’ industry will need to stay informed and ensure they comply with the new regulations to avoid substantial fines or imprisonment. Whether this move will smooth out the “Ndengu” industry’s issues or cause a stir remains to be seen.