Coast

Governor Abdulswamad bans entry, transportation, sale and use of muguka, its products in Mombasa

By |

Scientific evidence highlighting Muguka's detrimental effects on mental health and its broader social, economic, and environmental impacts also significantly influenced the ban.

Mombasa County has enacted a stringent law banning the entry, transportation, distribution, sale, and use of Muguka and its products within its jurisdiction.

The law, signed by Governor Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir on Thursday, takes immediate effect. He said the decision follows extensive public consultations and input from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA).

Scientific evidence highlighting Muguka's detrimental effects on mental health and its broader social, economic, and environmental impacts also significantly influenced the ban.

Governor Abdulswamad emphasised that the new law aims to protect public health and address substance abuse issues within the county. "The health and well-being of our residents take precedence over any commercial interests," he said.

In addition to the prohibition on Muguka products, the law mandates the closure of all retail and wholesale outlets selling the substance. It also bars vehicles transporting Muguka from entering the county.

The County departments have been directed to enforce these regulations strictly.

This comprehensive ban is part of Mombasa County's ongoing efforts to promote public health and safety, reflecting a broader national initiative to combat drug and substance abuse.

The move was backed by Members of the County Assembly.

The Vice Chair of the Assembly Health Committee Fatume Kushe said, “I support 100 percent the stance taken by our governor. I support this initiative. Every city has its laws and regulations that must be respected. No one from outside our county should come and dictate our policies. This will never happen. The sale and consumption of Muguka should be banned in Mombasa County."

"We must not erode our boundaries and principles for the sake of revenue. We do not want that revenue if it compromises our values. Mombasa is a city of civilisation. Our generations are being lost, and families are breaking apart,” she added.

Fatume noted that their research on Muguka revealed it has been prevalent in Mombasa for the past eight years, showing significant adverse effects.

“We will also do research on Miraa and if we realise that it has the same harmful impacts, we will recommend its ban without hesitation,” she said.

Old Town MCA Abdulrahman Hussein said they had tried various measures to control the situation in vain.

"We started by increasing its price, and then we attempted to prevent its sale to students. We even initiated the process of regulating. However, when we saw it was becoming difficult to manage, the Governor consulted and decided to ban it altogether,” he said, adding the house aims to regulate Miraa by introducing proper legislation.

“Currently, the Mombasa County Miraa Control Bill is in its drafting stages. We plan to present it to the house when we resume sitting. This bill is essential for ensuring the wellbeing of our community and maintaining order in Mombasa County.”

The ban comes despite Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir holding meetings with county leaders from Embu and Meru this month.

Reader comments

Recent Stories

Domestic earnings up by 19.5%, surge attributed to increase in tea, horticultural exports

Domestic earnings up by 19.5%, surge attributed to increase in tea, horticultural exports

Thursday, July 4, 2024
Why Nairobi will not come up with new Finance Bill -Sakaja

Why Nairobi will not come up with new Finance Bill -Sakaja

Thursday, July 4, 2024
Cabinet approves actions against officers involved in extra-judicial activities during protests

Cabinet approves actions against officers involved in extra-judicial activities during protests

Thursday, July 4, 2024
Education Ministry introduces new system to streamline data access, policy-making

Education Ministry introduces new system to streamline data access, policy-making

Thursday, July 4, 2024
Clan war erupts in Ethiopia's Somali regional state, causing multiple casualties

Clan war erupts in Ethiopia's Somali regional state, causing multiple casualties

Thursday, July 4, 2024
Sakaja permits Gen-Z to hold memorial concert at Uhuru Park

Sakaja permits Gen-Z to hold memorial concert at Uhuru Park

Thursday, July 4, 2024
Secondary school heads raise concerns over JSS preparation period for university entry

Secondary school heads raise concerns over JSS preparation period for university entry

Thursday, July 4, 2024
Efforts to ease Kenya-Ethiopia cross border trade in progress

Efforts to ease Kenya-Ethiopia cross border trade in progress

Thursday, July 4, 2024
Nairobi governor accuses MP of orchestrating City Hall arson during protests

Nairobi governor accuses MP of orchestrating City Hall arson during protests

Thursday, July 4, 2024
Protesters in Kilifi re-arrested despite court release orders

Protesters in Kilifi re-arrested despite court release orders

Thursday, July 4, 2024
Nairobi County hits record revenue of Sh12.8b since devolution

Nairobi County hits record revenue of Sh12.8b since devolution

Thursday, July 4, 2024
Kenya temporarily relocates embassy from Khartoum to Port Sudan

Kenya temporarily relocates embassy from Khartoum to Port Sudan

Thursday, July 4, 2024
DR Congo soldiers sentenced to death for fleeing battle

DR Congo soldiers sentenced to death for fleeing battle

Thursday, July 4, 2024
Taita Taveta County launches grassroots committees for agricultural development

Taita Taveta County launches grassroots committees for agricultural development

Thursday, July 4, 2024
Mombasa residents protest developer’s blockage of critical access route in Jomvu

Mombasa residents protest developer’s blockage of critical access route in Jomvu

Thursday, July 4, 2024
Foreign soldiers to face local prosecution for crimes in Kenya

Foreign soldiers to face local prosecution for crimes in Kenya

Thursday, July 4, 2024
CS Duale offers to resign if Ruto feels he has let him down

CS Duale offers to resign if Ruto feels he has let him down

Thursday, July 4, 2024
Police deployed in anticipation of anti-govt protests

Police deployed in anticipation of anti-govt protests

Thursday, July 4, 2024
Tourism ministry warns of profit slump if protests continue

Tourism ministry warns of profit slump if protests continue

Thursday, July 4, 2024
Uganda's first direct fuel import reaches Mombasa after deal with Kenya ended

Uganda's first direct fuel import reaches Mombasa after deal with Kenya ended

Thursday, July 4, 2024
Live Updates