Govt: County-Level Bans On Muguka, Miraa Are Null And Void
County-level bans on Muguka, a type of Miraa, have been declared invalid by Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi. He clarified that Muguka is recognized as a scheduled crop under both the Crops Act 2013 and the Miraa Regulations 2023.
This declaration follows a special meeting convened by President Ruto and Embu leaders on Monday to address the bans imposed on Muguka in certain counties.
Among the attendees at the meeting held at State House Nairobi were Governor Cecily Mbarire, the deputy governor, the senator, a Woman representative, and all County Assembly Members.
CS Linturi, present at the meeting, explained the legal status of Muguka, emphasizing that any bans in Mombasa, Taita Taveta, and Kilifi counties contradicting its legal recognition are null and void.
He further highlighted that the Crops Act 2013 and Miraa Regulations 2023 were ratified by the Council of Governors after their approval by the National Assembly and Senate, respectively.
These regulations outline government responsibilities concerning various aspects of Muguka farming, including licensing, promotion, regulation, transportation, aggregation, selling, marketing, and export.
Additionally, a three-member Miraa/Muguka Pricing Committee, nominated by the Council of Governors, is mandated by the regulations.
Following the meeting, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock was instructed to organize a consultative forum to address stakeholders’ concerns and facilitate the implementation of the Miraa/Muguka Regulations 2023.
This forum aims to tackle concerns and ensure compliance with the Miraa/Muguka Standard Code of Practice, regulating all activities related to the crop.
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CS Linturi reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing the Muguka industry through increased farming, aggregation, grading, pricing, packaging, and value addition.
In support of these initiatives, the government has allocated KSh500 million for value addition in the fiscal year 2024/25.
Last week, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta counties imposed bans on the entry, transportation, sale, and use of Muguka and its derivatives.
Governor Nassir of Mombasa justified the ban due to widespread Muguka consumption, including among schoolchildren, and the failure of traders to adhere to regulations protecting minors from the drug’s influence.
Governor Mung’aro of Kilifi similarly implemented a ban on Muguka entry, transportation, distribution, sale, and use within the county.
These decisions by the governors were prompted by advocacy from women leaders calling for Muguka prohibition and the regulation of Miraa, citing the adverse effects on youth health.
Govt: County-Level Bans On Muguka, Miraa Are Null And Void