Govt: County-level bans on Muguka, Miraa are null and void

The latest development comes after President Ruto and the Embu leadership held a special meeting on Monday to discuss the ban on Muguka in select counties. 

Governor Cecily Mbarire was among those who attended the Monday meeting at State House Nairobi, along with the deputy governor, the senator, the Woman representative, and all County Assembly Members. 

CS Linturi, who was also present, clarified the legal status of Muguka, stating that any purported prohibitions in Mombasa, Taita Taveta, and Kilifi counties that contradict the shrub's legal recognition are null and void. 

CS Linturi explained that the Crops Act 2013 and Miraa Regulations 2023 were approved by the Council of Governors after being passed by the National Assembly and Senate, respectively. 

The regulations mandate that the government fund various aspects of Mũgũka farming, including licencing, promotion, regulation, transportation, aggregation, selling, marketing, and export. 

The Miraa/Mũgũka Pricing Committee has three members nominated by the Council of Governors, as per the regulations.

Following the meeting, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock was directed to convene a consultative forum to address stakeholders' concerns.

This forum aims to address concerns and help implement the Miraa/Mũgũka Regulations 2023.

Additionally, the Miraa/Mũgũka Standard Code of Practice will be implemented to regulate all activities related to the crop. 

According to CS Linturi, the government is committed to improving the Mũgũka industry through increased farming, aggregation, grading, pricing, packaging, and value addition.

To support these efforts, the government has pledged KSh500 million in the fiscal year 2024/25 for value addition.