A mediation committee composed of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators has been formed to resolve the ongoing dispute surrounding the contentious Sugar Bill. This move comes after the National Assembly rejected several amendments proposed by the Senate, signaling a step forward in efforts to unlock the deadlock and reinstate the Sugar Act, which was repealed in 2013.
The bill, which seeks to restore the Kenya Sugar Board, was sponsored by Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, with Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula co-sponsoring it in the Senate. The two will co-chair the mediation committee, which has now been fully constituted, paving the way for discussions aimed at reaching a mediated version of the bill.
Composition of the Mediation Committee
The National Assembly Speaker announced the appointment of committee members from both houses, with the Senate submitting the names of Senators James Murango (Kirinyaga), Richard Onyonka (Kisii), David Wafula (Bungoma), Catherine Mumma (Nominated), Samson Cherarkey (Nandi), Agnes Muthama (Machakos), and Esther Okenyuri (Nominated). This team, along with their National Assembly counterparts, will deliberate on amendments to the Sugar Bill over the next 30 days.
The Speaker emphasized the importance of this committee, saying, “Honourable Members, now that the Senate has appointed Members to the Mediation Committee, the Committee is fully constituted and should embark on attempting to develop a mediated version of the Bill in accordance with the provisions of Article 113 of the Constitution.”
Purpose of the Sugar Bill
The Sugar Bill aims to reestablish the Kenya Sugar Board, which was disbanded following the enactment of the Crops Act in 2013. The Kenya Sugar Board’s responsibilities were transferred to the Sugar Directorate, operating under the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), established through the Agriculture and Food Authority Act, 2013.
However, sugarcane farmers and industry stakeholders have expressed concerns that the Sugar Directorate lacks the autonomy and capacity to effectively address the challenges plaguing the sugar industry. The stakeholders, especially farmers from Kisumu County, have advocated for the restoration of the Kenya Sugar Board and recommended that its headquarters be based in either the Nyanza or Western region, where sugarcane farming is a dominant economic activity.
The Bill also introduces a 4% Sugar Development Levy, which will be applied to both domestic and imported sugar. During earlier discussions in the National Assembly, MPs amended the original Bill to allocate 10% of the levy to the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).
The Mediation Process
The mediation process is crucial as it seeks to harmonize the differing versions of the bill passed by the two Houses. All bills, except those related to money matters, must pass through both the National Assembly and the Senate. Once a bill is passed in either House, it is forwarded to the other for concurrence. If either House proposes amendments, these are then reviewed, and if necessary, a mediation committee is formed to reconcile any disagreements.
The mediation committee has a 30-day timeline from its first sitting to produce an agreed-upon version of the Bill. If the committee fails to agree within the stipulated period, the Bill is considered defeated. However, if the committee reaches a consensus, a report containing the mediated version of the Bill will be tabled in both Houses for approval.
Significance of the Bill for the Sugar Industry
The revival of the Kenya Sugar Board is seen as a vital step toward addressing the longstanding issues faced by the sugar sector. Industry stakeholders have consistently argued that the lack of a dedicated regulatory body has led to mismanagement and inefficiencies, hurting both farmers and the wider economy. The Sugar Bill’s provisions for the development, regulation, and promotion of the sugar industry are expected to bring much-needed reforms.
Farmers and sugar industry players eagerly await the outcome of the mediation process, hoping for the speedy resolution of the legislative standoff. With sugarcane farming serving as a key livelihood for many in the Nyanza, Western, and Coastal regions, the outcome of the mediation is expected to have far-reaching impacts on Kenya’s agricultural landscape.
As the mediation committee embarks on its task, all eyes will be on their ability to navigate the complexities of the Sugar Bill and restore a robust framework for Kenya’s sugar industry.
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