Nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian asked the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries to examine how animals stolen from farmers and pastoralists are entering legitimate commercial supply chains.

She highlighted concerns that existing ownership verification and livestock movement permits may not be sufficient to stop stolen livestock from reaching recognised markets, transport networks and slaughter facilities.

Lemaletian urged the committee to assess whether traceability systems and market surveillance can reliably identify the true origin and ownership of animals delivered to regulated slaughterhouses.

She also asked whether routine checks are performed against records of reported stolen livestock when animals arrive at slaughter facilities.

The senator called for scrutiny of compliance with livestock movement permits and other documentation, requesting data on how many permits and suppliers have undergone verification or audits and what action has been taken against fraudulent documents.

Six counties – Samburu, Isiolo, Laikipia, Turkana, Baringo and West Pokot – were identified as priority areas for the proposed audit of the theft‑to‑market chain.

Lemaletian wants a comprehensive audit to determine the scale of the problem, map the actors facilitating the trade, and hold every participant accountable.

The inquiry is also expected to review the progress of existing investigations, including the number of livestock suppliers, transporters, traders and market operators who have been investigated, arrested or charged for theft‑related offences.