- Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya of Kenya has sought parliament approval to revise the Permit fees for import and exports of livestock products.
- The charges were last changed over 20 years ago.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya of Kenya has sought parliament approval to revise the Permit fees for import and exports of livestock products. The charges were last changed over 20 years ago. The review of the charges Munya said has become essential in view of the inflation and a need to align charges with trading partners in East Africa.
The ministry has proposed to revise the current rate of Sh1,000 to Sh3,000 per consignment (truckloads) of animal feeds, egg products, meat and milk products. It is felt that the revised charges will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of delivery of veterinary services with a positive impact on livelihood and poverty. The revision will impact traders and livestock keepers, livestock importers, slaughterhouse proprietors, and milk and meat exporters. The other categories include honey and hive products importers and exporters, animal feeds and inputs importers as well as public and private animal health service providers.
The permits and health certificates for animals may also go up from the current Sh1,000 to Sh2,000. This may ease the budgetary constraints faced by the directorate of Veterinary Services, Which is mandated to protect the country from entry and establishment of animal disease and pest. The industry stakeholders has also reportedly supported the review of the fees and had suggested regular review of fees and charges by the Directorate of Veterinary services in line with the changing economic situation.
