Muslim women's group calls for urgent Muguka regulation after withdrawal of Bill
They emphasised the need for expanded research into Muguka's social and health impacts, urging national and county leaders to reframe the issue as a shared national concern rather than regional conflict.
A Muslim women's rights organisation has called on the government to urgently establish a new regulatory framework for Muguka. They warned that the withdrawal of the Crops (Amendment) Bill 2024 could exacerbate public health crises and social instability in coastal communities already struggling with widespread Muguka abuse.
In a statement, the Muslim Women Advancement of Rights and Protection (MWARP) condemned the decision to withdraw the bill as disregarding the legitimate concerns of coastal counties battling the damaging effects of Muguka consumption.
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The group argued the move prioritises economic interests over the health, safety and dignity of affected communities.
"The bill's withdrawal followed a meeting between Kilifi North MP Owen Yaa Baya, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, among other Embu County leaders, effectively maintaining Muguka's current legal status and the national government's subsidy of Sh500 million for its farming in the 2024/2025 financial year," stated MWARP.
MWARP warned that this decision undermines efforts to address Muguka's devastating social consequences in coastal regions. Their extensive fieldwork demonstrates clear links between Muguka use and rising mental health cases, family breakdowns, educational disengagement, gender-based violence and criminal activity.
"The withdrawal represents a missed opportunity to address pressing public health concerns through proper legislative channels," the statement read. "This decision appears to value economic gains above the welfare of vulnerable coastal communities, particularly women and girls who disproportionately suffer Muguka's social impacts."
The organisation stressed that public health and community wellbeing must not be sacrificed for regional economic benefits.
"While we acknowledge Muguka's economic importance to Mt Kenya and Embu farmers, we cannot ignore the severe public health emergency unfolding in coastal areas - a fundamental right protected under Article 43 of our Constitution."
MWARP proposed a comprehensive regulatory approach including: strict quality control measures, community-based intervention programmes, inclusive stakeholder engagement and enhanced research and monitoring systems.
They emphasised the need for expanded research into Muguka's social and health impacts, urging national and county leaders to reframe the issue as a shared national concern rather than regional conflict.
"This situation presents an opportunity for responsive governance that balances competing interests through transparent, participatory policymaking - not a zero-sum game between regions," the statement concluded.
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