Coast

Lamu County introduces strict regulations on muguka sale

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy. (Photo: Lamu County Government)

By Farhiya Hussein | Thursday, June 6, 2024

Lamu joins Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta as the fourth county to enforce such a ban, following announcements made by the coastal counties last month.

Lamu County has implemented stringent regulations on the sale of muguka, prohibiting street sales of the stimulant.

Vendors are now required to sell muguka exclusively in shops, are barred from selling to individuals under the age of 18, and must not set up shops near schools or places of worship.

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"We shall not allow the sale of muguka on the streets of our town. We are banning street sales of muguka. We shall not allow the sale of muguka and miraa in any places near places of worship and our schools. We shall not allow the sale of muguka and miraa to persons who are under the age of 18 years," Lamu Governor Issa Timamy said.

"The first three measures we are implementing immediately to curb the sale and consumption of muguka and miraa in our county. Other measures will follow."

Lamu joins Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta as the fourth county to enforce such a ban, following announcements made by these counties last month.

Mixed reactions

The reaction among residents has been mixed.

Said Ali, a local resident, expressed support for the ban, saying, "I would prefer if they took a stance like the other coastal counties and completely ban muguka because it has significant effects like lack of sleep, some people cannot work. It also is a contributor to broken marriages. They should ban it entirely because children will still buy it as it is cheap. Alternatively, they could increase revenue like in Kwale County."

Another resident Mohamed Lali echoed this sentiment, stating, "The governor's statement is good, but he should completely ban it from coming to Lamu to reduce issues of addiction. Muguka is cheap. Instead of buying soda, children buy muguka and hide themselves to consume it."

However, muguka traders have voiced concerns over the new regulations.

"There are consequences, the county government has brought down our stalls. I request the governor to build rental stalls. It's fine as long as he hasn't closed us down, but he should build stalls for us," Dan Mutuma, one of the traders told The Eastleigh Voice.

"We do not sell to young children, but sometimes parents send their children, claiming it is for an adult. Mothers are the ones spoiling their children by sending them. Parents should watch over their children and not send them to buy muguka."