Kenya is edging closer to tougher laws against livestock theft after senators revived debate on a bill seeking stricter penalties for offenders and stronger protections for pastoralist communities.
The Prevention of Livestock and Produce Theft Bill, 2023 proposes jail terms of up to five years or fines of up to Ksh2 million for individuals convicted of stealing livestock. Lawmakers say the move is long overdue, especially in regions where cattle rustling remains a persistent source of violence and economic loss.
The bill also introduces a detailed system for tracing and identifying animals, including mandatory branding and official removal permits whenever livestock is moved from one location to another. The measures are designed to help authorities recover stolen animals more easily and dismantle well-organized theft networks.
Beyond punishment, the bill directs both national and county governments to implement long-term strategies to support livestock-keeping communities. This includes education support and alternative income-generating opportunities to strengthen households whose livelihoods depend almost entirely on animals.
The renewed push comes days after a violent cattle-rustling attempt in Kokuro, Kibish, Turkana County, where around 50 armed Dassanech raiders stormed Welegech village. Security forces repelled the attackers, leaving two suspected bandits dead.
The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock has endorsed the bill but recommended revising fines to reflect the severity of different offences. The committee has also urged stronger collaboration with neighbouring countries including Uganda, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Tanzania noting that cross-border livestock theft remains a growing threat.
If passed, the bill is expected to give pastoralist counties a stronger legal framework and renewed institutional support, offering hope for communities long affected by livestock raids and insecurity.
