Mombasa County Assembly receives petition to ban miraa, muguka

The County Assembly of Mombasa has received a petition calling for the prohibition of the sale and consumption of miraa and muguka within the county.

The petition, driven by community elders, clerics, parents, and residents, urges the enactment of a law to address the concerns surrounding the two substances.

The petitioners argue that miraa and muguka contain stimulating alkaloids, primarily cathinone and cathine, which are classified as controlled substances under the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances.

They further noted these substances are listed in the second schedule of Kenya's Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1994.

In response, the petition has been referred to the Committee on Health for further deliberation. The committee is expected to provide a response within 60 calendar days, in accordance with standing order 201(2).

Simultaneously, the Mombasa County Department of Health Services has implemented various measures to curb the consumption of Muguka and combat the abuse of illicit drugs.

The department said that miraa, also known as Khat, is identified as a natural amphetamine with mild psycho-stimulant effects, similar to those of Muguka.

To mitigate the problem, the ithas launched several prevention initiatives.

“Community sensitisation on the effects of Muguka and drug abuse has been a key focus. The department has engaged 65,000 learners across primary, secondary, and tertiary schools in educational programmes. Additionally, 96 community dialogues have been conducted this financial year to raise awareness,” Health Committee member MCA Frankline Makanga said.

Community forums

He added there are ongoing parental engagements aiming at emphasising good parental guidance and role modelling.

“The introduction of "Maskani" talks has created forums where users can discuss the effects of muguka and drug abuse. Regular engagements with community gatekeepers, who play a crucial role in local leadership, have been instrumental in these efforts. Technical working groups in sub-counties, such as the Likoni sub-county TWG, are actively discussing these issues, with meetings scheduled regularly,” he stated.

Also, psychosocial support group therapy sessions have been established for vulnerable community members, and workplace wellness committees have been created to promote mental health among healthcare workers.

“Soccer matches and focus group discussions have also been organised to involve those affected by substance abuse, fostering a supportive community environment. Experience-sharing sessions with individuals who have undergone behavioural change are further contributing to these initiatives,” Makanga told the county assembly.

The department has also introduced several treatment and management measures for those affected by substance abuse.

These include counselling sessions, both physical and tele-counselling, which are available to provide support.

Debrief sessions are being offered, and adolescents and young people are engaged in sport-based mental health programmes like "mindskillz" to address sensitive topics such as drug and substance abuse positively.

Makanga noted football activities, drama, and skits are being utilised to promote behavioural change.

“Interpersonal psychotherapy group sessions are conducted for both community members and adolescents. Referrals to rehabilitation centres, follow-up home visits, and the establishment of more methadone clinics are among the steps taken to ensure comprehensive care for those affected by substance abuse,” he said.