The long-awaited mediation between MPs and Senators regarding the contentious Sugar Bill is set to commence, following the submission of member names from both Houses to form a committee.
This formation comes after the National Assembly rejected several amendments proposed by the Senators. Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, who sponsored the bill, will co-chair the committee.
The Senate members appointed include James Murango (Kirinyaga), Richard Onyonka (Kisii), David Wafula (Bungoma), Catherine Mumma (nominated), Samson Cherarkey (Nandi), Agnes Muthama (Machakos), and Esther Okenyuri (nominated).
“Honorable Members, with the Senate now appointing members to the Mediation Committee, the committee is fully constituted and should begin developing a mediated version of the Bill in line with Article 113 of the Constitution,” the National Assembly Speaker stated on Tuesday.
The bill aims to reinstate the Sugar Act, which was repealed by the Crops Act of 2013. Its enactment will restore the functions of the Kenya Sugar Board, currently managed by the Sugar Directorate of the Agriculture and Food Authority established under the Agriculture and Food Authority Act, 2013.
Additionally, the Bill seeks to regulate, promote, and develop the sugar industry and to establish the Kenya Sugar Board’s powers and functions.
During public participation led by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, stakeholders expressed strong support for the bill. Sugarcane farmers from Kisumu County advocated for the Kenya Sugar Board’s restoration and suggested that its headquarters be located in Nyanza or the Western region for more effective regulation.
Stakeholders noted that the Sugar Directorate under the AFA Act 2013 lacks the autonomy needed to address the industry’s challenges. The Bill also introduces a four percent Sugar Development Levy on both domestic and imported sugar. Last year, MPs amended the original Bill to allocate 10 percent of the levy funds to the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).
All bills, except those involving financial matters, must pass through both Houses for concurrence. A bill approved by the Senate must be sent to the National Assembly, accompanied by a certified copy and a message from the Speaker requesting concurrence.
If the National Assembly agrees without proposing amendments, the Senate sends the bill to the President for assent. If amendments are proposed, they are sent back to the Senate for consideration.
There are currently three other bills from the National Assembly and two from the Senate in the mediation process: the National Rating Bill, Water Amendment Bill, and Conflict of Interest Bill from the National Assembly, along with the Employment Amendment Bill and the National Resources (benefit sharing) Bill from the Senate.
The mediation committee has 30 days from its first sitting to develop a mediated version of the Bill. If it fails to agree within this timeframe, the Bill will be defeated. Once an agreed version is reached, the Mediation Committee will present a report on its deliberations to both Houses for consideration.
