GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 2165

IN EXERCISE of powers conferred under section 7 (2) of the Crops Act, 2013, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Co-operatives declares Stavia (Stevia rebaudiana) as a scheduled Crop under Part 3 of the First Schedule of the Crops Act. Stevia shall be developed and regulated in accordance with the provisions of the Agriculture and Food Authority Act, 2013, the Crops Act, 2013 and any regulations made thereunder. The development of Stevia will focus on: (a) Formulation of general and specific policies for the development of Stevia. (b) Facilitation of marketing and distribution of Stevia. (c) Promoting the establishment of wholesale markets in identified major centres of the county. (d) Promoting the establishment of Stevia collection centre in viable areas. (e) Establishment of linkages with various governments and private research institutions for the conduct of studies and researches. (f) Conducting farmers training programs. (g) Establishment of experimental stations and seed farms for the development of varieties suitable for agro-climate conditions of the area and markets. (h) Devising and maintaining a system for regularly obtaining information on current and future production, prices and movement in trade. (i) Establishment and enforcements of standards in grading, sampling and inspection, tests and analysis, specifications, units of measurement, code of practice and packaging, preservation, conservation and transportation of Stevia. (j) Promotion and advising of strategies of value addition prior to the export of Stevia from Kenya. 13th March, 2020 THE KENYA GAZETTE (k) The Regulatory measures will include registration of operators, inspection and licensing of all dealers in Stevia. (l) Recommending general industry agreements between farmers and processers of Stevia. Dated the 26th February, 2020. PETER MUNYA, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Co-operatives