National Assembly invites public views on Crops Laws Amendment Bill 2026

The National Assembly has opened the floor to public input on the Crops Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, a proposed law aimed at reforming agricultural lending in Kenya. The bill is currently under review by the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, which is gathering public feedback before the legislation moves through the parliamentary process.

At the heart of the proposed legislation is the consolidation of agricultural lending functions under the Kenya Agribusiness Development Corporation (KADCO). KADCO would assume responsibility for agricultural lending, streamlining a system that currently involves sector-specific institutions. The framework also plans to merge the legal frameworks of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Act and the Tea Act with the proposed agricultural financing structure.

A key provision of the bill involves allocating a portion of the Sugar Development Levy to KADCO to support its lending operations. This move aims to establish a more centralized financing system, enabling farmers and agricultural stakeholders to access credit for production and agribusiness activities. If successfully implemented, the reforms are expected to boost agricultural productivity and efficiency, optimize the use of public resources, and enhance access to financing for farmers.

The National Assembly believes these changes could significantly impact farmers, influencing their ability to invest in inputs, production, value addition, and other agricultural activities. However, the bill's effectiveness hinges on KADCO's capacity, funding, and management, as well as the overall implementation of the new lending framework.

The committee encourages Kenyans to share their views before the bill advances further. Public participation offers farmers, agricultural organizations, financial institutions, and other stakeholders the opportunity to voice concerns, propose amendments, and endorse provisions they deem beneficial. The bill is accessible on the Parliament website, allowing members of the public to review the proposed changes and prepare their memoranda.

These reforms position agricultural financing at the core of Kenya's ongoing discussion on bolstering its agricultural sector and expanding affordable financing opportunities.