MP Baya Drops Bill Seeking to Delist Muguka After Stakeholder Talks
Kilifi North Member of Parliament Owen Baya has withdrawn a controversial bill that sought to delist muguka—a mild stimulant—from the list of scheduled crops under Kenyan law.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki confirmed that he had met with MP Baya, who agreed to drop the proposed amendment following consultations with leaders from Embu County.
“Following a request from Embu County elected leaders, the Deputy President met Hon. Owen Baya, sponsor of the Private Member’s Bill that sought to delete Catha edulis (muguka) from the schedule to the Crops Act,” DP Kindiki said.
“Hon. Baya has graciously agreed to withdraw his legislative proposal.”
The bill aimed to amend the Crops Act, Cap 318, by distinguishing muguka from miraa (khat) and excluding it from the list of scheduled crops. The Crops Act, enacted in 2013, provides for the certification, regulation, and support of scheduled crops across their value chains to ensure industry standards and promote agricultural sustainability.
If passed, the amendment would have removed national recognition and support for muguka, exposing it to potential regulation or bans at the county level without national oversight. This raised alarm among farmers and leaders in regions like Embu, where muguka is a significant source of livelihood.
The proposal surfaced amid growing tensions between coastal and eastern counties over muguka trade. While coastal counties such as Mombasa and Kilifi have pushed for tighter restrictions or outright bans due to social and health concerns, eastern counties—including Embu—have defended the crop’s economic importance.
Last year, President William Ruto cautioned against unilateral bans by county governments, affirming that both muguka and miraa are recognized under national law and should be treated as scheduled crops.
Stakeholder Engagement and National Dialogue
DP Kindiki’s meeting with MP Baya followed broader consultations with Embu leaders, including Governor Cecily Mbarire and County Assembly Majority Leader Peter Muriithi. The discussions focused on aligning national agricultural policy with regional needs and ensuring continued support for farmers.
“Our dialogue with county leaders aims to harmonize development priorities and support agricultural livelihoods. Embu is a key player in national production chains,” said the Deputy President in a statement.
The withdrawal of the bill signals a shift toward greater inter-county dialogue on agricultural policy and highlights the complexities surrounding crops with both cultural and economic significance.
Article By Suzy Nyongesa.
