Ksh1 M Fine for Kenyans Selling Nuts Without Permit
Ksh1 M Fine for Kenyans Selling Nuts Without Permit
The industry that has been impacted by brokers and cartels is expected to be impacted by the requirement that Kenyans obtain licenses in order to process and sell nuts and oil crops.
According to the Nuts and Oil Crops Development Bill 2023, which was introduced in Parliament, Kenyans who deal with nuts, such as macadamia, crushed nuts, and coconuts, must obtain a permit.
According to the bill, nuts include coconut, cashew, macadamia, bambara, and ground nuts. While oils include sunflower, sesame, safflower, palm, and jojoba.
People found to be involved in the trade without necessary permits will risk a Ksh1 million fine or be jailed for two years or both.
“A person who intends to process nuts and oil products shall submit an application in the form prescribed in county legislation to county executive committee member,” states a portion of the statute.
The county committee will stipulate which documents and information applicants must provide.
After receiving an application, the committee has 14 days to analyze it and decide whether to issue or renew licenses. The applicant will get written notification of the committee’s decision within seven days.
The applicant will be notified of the reasons for rejection if they are denied. Senator Hamida Kibwana, who was nominated, has introduced a bill that aims to enforce rules and the institutional structure that governs the business in order to revitalize it.
“There is a need for a string and robust policy and institutional foundation to support and guide the multitude of activities, operations, and interactions with the industry so that the growth of the industry results in a strengthened agricultural economy for the country,” she said.
The bill encourages value addition in the processing of nuts and their products, thereby offering a means of recognizing the medical, aesthetic, touristic, and artistic significance of diverse nuts and oil crops. In order to govern the industry, it also asks for the creation of the Nuts and Oil Crops Development Board.
