Mombasa County bans sale of miraa, muguka near schools

The County Government of Mombasa has taken a decisive step in curbing juvenile gangs and protecting children from drug abuse by regulating the sale of miraa and muguka within the county.

Governor Abdulswamad Nassir issued a stern warning to all those involved in selling drugs near school premises, emphasising that such activities would no longer be tolerated.

"We will not negotiate on the safety and wellbeing of our children. Those selling Miraa and other stimulants to school-going children will meet the full force of the government. Failure to do so by Monday, there will be a team going around and when caught, those found guilty will face a jail term,” he stated.

The governor directed the Department of Education to collaborate to identify all public and private schools, including primary and ECDE schools, to ensure that no one is allowed to sell miraa or muguka near these institutions.

He emphasised the importance of conducting such businesses in appropriate locations, away from areas where children could be exposed to them.

“No one is allowed to sell muguka or miraa around school premises. If a child is 16 or 17 years old and buys something for Sh20 that intoxicates them, it damages their mind. It makes them start going against teachers and parents. Do business where it is needed, but not where we will expose our children. What we want is for our children to join digital literacy and motivational programmes or others that help the community. So for those who are already lost, we will fight them, but we cannot allow others to fall into that trap,” he said.

Safe environment

With these measures in place, the Mombasa County Government aims to create a safer environment for children and tackle the longstanding issue of drug abuse within the community.

Photo of Sheikh Abu Hamza addressing the media in Mombasa on the ban on the sale of miraa and muguka on May 11, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Abdulswamad noted the enforcement of these regulations will begin promptly, with offenders facing serious consequences, including imprisonment.

“A parent gives money thinking their child will buy snacks, but instead, they are buying illegal substances like muguka outside of school. We won't tolerate this behaviour anymore, those selling must regulate themselves. Starting this Monday, anyone caught will face legal consequences,” he said.

The move was supported by religious leaders calling for a ban on the sale.

Sheikh Abu Hamza and Sheikh Muhdhar Khitamy echoed the sentiment, urging for a ban on the sale of miraa and muguka in marketplaces like Kongowea to prevent children from accessing them.

Health expert Jalab Ashraf addressing the media in Mombasa on the ban of the sale on miraa and muguka on May 11, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

“We urge the county government to ban the sale of miraa and muguka in marketplaces such as Kongowea. That is an area where food items are sold, when you send your child to the market they use the money to buy them. It should be banned,” said Sheikh Abu Hamza.

A health expert Dr Jalab Ashraf, supported the county government's move, citing the harmful effects of miraa and muguka as recognised by organizations such as the World Health Organisation and National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).

He highlighted health risks such as mouth ulcers, increased heart rate leading to heart attacks, and even contributing to societal insecurity by fueling theft and violence.