Mombasa and Embu Counties Agree to Regulate Sale of Muguka and Miraa to Minors.

The governments of Mombasa and Embu counties have reached an agreement to regulate the sale of muguka and miraa to individuals under 18, a significant step to curb their consumption among minors.

This consensus followed a series of meetings and consultations between Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire. Governor Nassir mentioned that a call from Governor Mbarire initiated this cooperative effort between the two counties.

“We have engaged in several meetings with various stakeholders, including Christian and Muslim religious leaders, who support our county’s stance. After listening to everyone, including traders from the Meru and Embu communities, we realized the necessity of this step,” said Governor Nassir.

“Our objective is not to stifle the economy or harm anyone but to protect our children, who are increasingly involved with these products. Every day, we witness incidents of juvenile gangs carrying machetes or minors ending up in rehabilitation centers due to muguka consumption.”

To enforce the new regulations, Governor Nassir announced that two representatives from the Embu and Meru communities, alongside county government officials, will personally deliver notice letters to miraa and muguka traders by Thursday, May 16. These letters will direct traders to comply with the new county regulations, which cover products not classified as drugs or banned substances in Kenya.

Transport companies handling muguka and miraa shipments will also receive orders to either ferry these products exclusively or passengers.

“We will start with the transport sector. We cannot tolerate the concealment of muguka and miraa without knowing their destination. If caught, the vehicle owner will face consequences,” he added.

Additionally, Governor Nassir emphasized the need to sell muguka and miraa away from educational and religious institutions, similar to guidelines for banned substances.

“I have requested a mapping of all schools, mosques, and madrasas. Shops within 100 meters of these institutions must stop selling muguka and miraa. If they continue to operate, they can only sell regular goods like sugar and milk.”

Miraa and muguka dealers will also need to be licensed to ensure regulatory measures are in place and those who sell these products are known.

“Notices will expire soon, and we don’t want any excuses from dealers. Once the notice expires, the county protocol takes effect. We are not banning muguka and miraa, as they are considered cash crops, but we are implementing measures to protect our children.”

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, along with several members of her county assembly, supported the initiative, noting that easy accessibility to these substances for children necessitated stringent regulations.

“We have sensitized parents on this issue and discouraged children from participating in farming muguka. The regulations Mombasa is implementing align with what we aim to enforce in Embu,” said Governor Mbarire.

Governor Mbarire also addressed the economic implications, acknowledging the significant losses traders might face but stressing the importance of following regulations.

“Muguka and Miraa are scheduled cash crops, and we need to coordinate their trade effectively. As the people of Embu, we support the need to regulate their trade in Mombasa to protect our children,” she stated.

The two counties agreed to form a committee comprising community representatives and county government officials to oversee the implementation of these regulations. Governor Mbarire urged traders to collaborate with the county government, particularly the selected compliance officials, to ensure the regulations are adopted seamlessly.

“Protecting our children is a moral obligation. We must ensure muguka and miraa are only consumed by adults,” concluded Governor Mbarire. “Let’s make reasonable decisions for the future of our counties.”

During the meeting, Governor Mbarire also proposed lowering the cess fee from Sh80,000 to Sh60,000 to help businesses in her county cope with the harsh economic times.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.