Kwale County Government has moved to implement the recent passed stringent laws to regulate Muguka trade in the County.
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani recently vowed to chat the way forward with Kwale County Assembly members so as to ensure Muguka and Miraa trade is fully regulated.
Governor Achani said she will not follow what other governors have done, completely banning the business in their counties, but vowed to push for regulations that will protect the youth and minors from Muguka Miraa and other forms of addiction in Kwale County.
The Kwale County Chief further noted that the crack down on Muguka and Miraa trade in the county is mainly to protect the youth.
Through the County Director of Communication Mr Nicky Gitonga, Achani started enacting stringent measures to regulate the sale and consumption of Muguka and Miraa within the county, aiming at safeguarding the health and well-being of the youth and the entire Kwale communities.
Several vehicles transporting Muguka and Miraa to Kwale County were on Sunday detained by the County officials for circumventing the new regulations on the trade.
With the signing of the 2024/25 Financial Bill, which includes provisions for the taxation of the substances, the Governor said she wants to curtail the adverse effects of their widespread availability.
Under the new law, every shipment of Muguka and Miraa entering Kwale County will be subjected to taxation, with significant increases in fees for both sellers and importers.
Miraa and Muguka resident sellers now face a hefty fee of 50,000 to continue with their trade in the county, up from the previous 10,000.
Traders, transporting Muguka to Kwale County using motorcycles, will also bear the brunt of increased taxes, with fees rising from 3,000 to Ksh30,000 for motorcycle transport and Ksh300,000 for lorry shipments weighing 15 tonnes.
“These measures are crucial for regulating substance consumption and protecting the youth from potential health hazards,” said Governor Achani.
County authorities, working together with the County Assembly and County Attorney, Salim Gombeni, will further implement additional regulations to further restrict the sale and distribution of Muguka and Miraa in the County.
“These regulations will prohibit the sale of Muguka in areas such as school environments, areas of worship and markets. Instead, designated areas will be established for the trade, with specific pickup points designated for Muguka arrivals, particularly from source regions like Meru and Embu counties,” she said.
The approach according to Achani will deter youth from accessing the substances, thus safeguarding their well-being and promoting a healthy community.
According to the Governor from Monday June, 10, 2024, it will be business unusual, urging those indulging in Muguka and Miraa trade in the county to fully adhere to the new regulations.
“I will repeat this; Our aim is to safeguard our communities and specifically the youth. Our youthful generation is in peril following the pressing issue of substance abuse,” reiterated the Kwale Governor.