By YOANA KIMWELE
The County Government of Kitui has intensified efforts to address the growing challenge of stray livestock within urban areas after holding a public participation forum on the proposed Kitui Municipality Stray Livestock Control Bill, 2026. The consultative meeting, held on Friday, brought together residents, livestock owners, traders, professionals and other key stakeholders to deliberate on the draft legislation before it is submitted to the Kitui County Assembly.
The public participation exercise was led by Acting Kitui Municipal Manager Madam Irene together with the County Government Attorney, under the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development headed by County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Fredrick Kimanga and Chief Officer Evans Mutemi. The forum provided members of the public with an opportunity to review the proposed law and submit recommendations aimed at strengthening the Bill.
According to the County Government, the proposed legislation seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework for regulating, controlling and managing stray livestock within Kitui Municipality. The Bill proposes clear procedures for regulating livestock movement, establishing municipal livestock pounds, impounding stray animals, releasing reclaimed livestock and disposing of unclaimed animals in accordance with the law.
The draft law has been developed in response to increasing cases of livestock roaming freely within the municipality as urban development continues to expand. County officials noted that uncontrolled livestock movement has become a major concern in residential estates, markets, schools, health facilities, roads and other public spaces, posing risks to public safety and orderly urban growth.
The memorandum accompanying the Bill states that stray livestock have contributed to road accidents, obstruction of roads and drainage systems, destruction of landscaped public areas, environmental pollution through animal waste and damage to both public and private property. The proposed legislation seeks to address these challenges while ensuring humane treatment of animals during enforcement and impoundment.
If enacted, the Bill will apply to all livestock owners, herders, institutions and corporate bodies keeping livestock within Kitui Municipality, as well as livestock transported into or through the municipality. It outlines responsibilities for livestock owners and establishes enforcement mechanisms aimed at preventing animals from roaming freely within designated municipal areas.
The proposed law is also anchored on key principles including protection of human life, promotion of public health, environmental conservation, accountability, transparency, community participation and collaboration among enforcement agencies. County officials said these principles are intended to support sustainable urban planning while promoting responsible livestock ownership.
Speaking during the public participation forum, officials emphasized that public participation is a constitutional requirement and a critical component of the legislative process. They encouraged stakeholders to present their views, proposals and concerns to ensure the final legislation reflects the needs and interests of all residents and affected groups.
Participants welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the drafting of the law, with discussions focusing on balancing the interests of livestock keepers and urban residents while safeguarding public infrastructure and maintaining order within the municipality. The forum also highlighted the importance of creating practical enforcement measures that promote compliance without compromising animal welfare.
Once public views and recommendations are reviewed and incorporated where appropriate, the proposed Kitui Municipality Stray Livestock Control Bill, 2026 will proceed through the required legislative processes before being tabled for debate and consideration by the Kitui County Assembly. If passed into law, the legislation is expected to strengthen municipal governance, improve public safety and support orderly urban development within Kitui Municipality.
