Senate Committee reviews bill on minimum guaranteed returns for farmers

The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries has reviewed submissions on the proposed Agriculture Produce (Minimum Guaranteed Returns) Bill, Senate Bills No. 17 of 2025, as lawmakers move forward with plans to strengthen protections for farmers.

The committee chaired Bungoma County Senator Wafula Wakoli examined views from stakeholders on the proposed legislation aimed at safeguarding farmers from exploitation and unstable market prices.

The Bill seeks to establish a legal framework for setting and enforcing minimum guaranteed returns for agricultural produce.

It proposes a structured system for determining prices, overseeing implementation and enforcing compliance to protect farmers from price volatility and unfair trading practices.

During the review, committee members noted that agriculture remains a critical pillar of rural livelihoods and the national economy.

ALSO READ:

MPs demand recovery of Ksh 12 Billion from Hustler Fund defaulters

They emphasized that predictable and fair returns for farm produce would help stabilize farmer incomes, improve productivity and strengthen national food security.

The committee also underscored the need to ensure that the proposed framework is practical, financially sustainable and aligned with existing agricultural policies.

Following the review process, the committee will now consolidate stakeholder submissions and prepare a report to the Senate outlining its recommendations on the proposed law.

The Agriculture Produce (Minimum Guaranteed Returns) Bill, 2025 is widely viewed as a significant step toward institutionalizing fair and guaranteed compensation for farmers across the country, potentially transforming the way agricultural prices are determined and protected.

By Obegi Malack

Sharing is caring!