The Senate /FILEThe Senate has invited members of the public to submit their views on a proposed law seeking to amend the Crops Act by recognising achiote, locally known as Mrangi, as a scheduled crop.
The invitation follows the First Reading of the Crops (Amendment) Bill, 2023, in the Senate on June 17, 2026.
The Bill was subsequently committed to the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries for consideration.
The committee is conducting public participation in accordance with Article 118 of the Constitution and Standing Order 145(5) of the Senate Standing Orders, which require Parliament to involve the public in the legislative process before making recommendations on a Bill.
According to a notice issued by the Senate, the proposed legislation seeks to amend the Crops Act, Cap. 318, by including achiote (Mrangi) (Bixa orellana) in the First Schedule as a scheduled crop.
The Bill states that the proposal is intended to recognise the crop's economic potential.
It describes achiote as a drought-resistant and pest-free crop introduced to Kenya's coastal region in the 1970s.
Its seeds produce bixin, a natural dye widely used in food processing and the cosmetics industry.
"The Bill seeks to amend the Crops Act, Cap. 318 by including Achiote (Mrangi) – Bixa Orellana in the First Schedule as a scheduled crop," the notice stated.
The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries said it is required to facilitate public participation on the Bill and consider the views and recommendations submitted by members of the public before presenting its report to the Senate.
In the notice, the committee invited interested individuals and organisations to submit written memoranda containing their views on the proposed law.
The memoranda may be submitted to the Clerk of the Senate through physical delivery, by post or via the official email addresses provided in the notice.
The submissions must be received on or before Friday, August 7, 2026, at 5 pm.
The Senate said copies of the Bill and a digest summarising its contents are available on Parliament's website to enable members of the public to review the proposed amendments before submitting their views.
The notice also states that it replaces an earlier public participation advertisement on the same Bill.
Members of the public have been advised to rely on the latest invitation and the revised submission deadline when forwarding their memoranda.
