The Kenyan Senate has opened a public consultation on a proposed amendment to the Crops Act that would officially classify achiote, locally known as mrangi (Bixa orellana), as a scheduled crop. This move is intended to enhance regulation, promote investment, and stimulate commercial expansion of the crop.
The proposal follows the bill's First Reading in the Senate on June 17, 2026, after which it was referred to the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. The Committee is now collecting written memoranda from the public and stakeholders to inform its report.
Key points of the amendment include:
- Inclusion of achiote (mrangi) in the First Schedule of the Crops Act, Cap. 318.
- Granting mrangi legal recognition as a scheduled crop, which provides a framework for its regulation and development.
- Recognition of mrangi's economic potential due to its drought tolerance and pest resistance, making it suitable for cultivation amid changing climate conditions.
- Highlighting the crop’s seeds as a source of bixin, a natural coloring agent widely used in food processing and cosmetics, offering new income streams for farmers and processors.
The crop was introduced to Kenya's coastal region in the 1970s and has since demonstrated resilience in marginal environments. The Senate Clerk, Jeremiah Nyegenye, has urged individuals and organizations to submit their views by 5:00 pm on Friday, August 7, 2026, via post, hand delivery, or email.
