The Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, appeared before the Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation to address matters concerning the regulation and development of Kenya’s Bixa subsector.
During his presentation, the Cabinet Secretary clarified that the Crops (Bixa) Regulations, 2025 were developed through an inclusive and consultative process that incorporated views from stakeholders across the entire value chain, including farmers, processors, traders, and industry representatives. He emphasized that the regulations are intended to bring structure, transparency, and sustainability to the subsector.
Sen. Kagwe outlined key strategic interventions being undertaken by the Ministry to revitalize and strengthen the Bixa industry. These include enhancing governance frameworks, formalizing production and marketing systems, improving licensing procedures, and strengthening traceability mechanisms to ensure compliance and market confidence.
The Crops (Bixa) Regulations, 2025, rolled out in 2025, aim to address long-standing challenges in standardized production, processing, and marketing practices. The reforms are designed to safeguard smallholder farmers, promote value addition, attract investment, and foster accountability across the industry.
The Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to accelerating growth in the subsector through structured regulation and expanded institutional support. He noted that the reforms are aligned with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), positioning Kenya to become a competitive global player in Bixa production and export.
Accompanying the Cabinet Secretary were the Acting Director General of the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), Mr. Calistus Kundu, and Ms. Grace Kyalo, Director of the AFA Miraa, Pyrethrum, Fibre and Other Industrial Crops Directorate.
The appearance before the Senate underscores the Government’s resolve to strengthen oversight, enhance regulatory clarity, and unlock the full economic potential of the Bixa value chain.
