Kitui Senator Enoch Kiio Wambua has spoken after a wide uproar on his mung beans bill 2022. The vocal Senator terms the media reports as full of malice and pushing against the passing of the bill.
“I want to correct a misrepresentation as published in a section of our dailies to the effect that Ndengu farmers will be required to obtain a license to grow the crop and that failure to comply will attract a fine of Ksh. 1 million or Jail term of 2 years or both. I want to state categorically that the bill as passed by the Senate does not contain any of such provisions.” Kiio told the press.
“Part 3 of this bill which deals with regulations is very clear, section 8 deals with registration of growers. The purpose of registering growers which is a function of County governments is to enable them to know where each farmer is located, the hectarage of the crop, and variety to make it easy for support and extension services including even marketing the crop.”The senator explained.
On the registration, Kiio clarified only marketers, traders, and processors are set to be registered noting that as a Senator who comes from the Ndengu growing region, he cannot push something against the farmers.
“Section 9 deals with the licensing of marketers, traders, and processors. These large-scale traders and marketers are the people that made me think about bringing this bill. They purchase it at throw-away prices and sell it back at exorbitant prices. These large-scale buyers must be regulated, and the board to license them has a representation of the farmers. There is no way as a Senator of a county that grows ndengu, it is not possible I would have a provision requiring farmers to obtain licenses and proposing exorbitant fines. “Senator Kiio added.
