State in final stages of operationalising muguka regulations - CS Linturi
By Farhiya Hussein |
The committee, which will be officially gazetted by the end of the week, will determine and regulate the price of muguka across all counties.
The government is in the final stages of resolving the ongoing stalemate surrounding the trade of muguka, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi announced on Wednesday.
The operationalisation of the Muguka/Miraa Regulations of 2023 is expected to bring clarity and structure to the industry, particularly in terms of licensing and designated areas of sale.
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"We are in the final stages of operationalising the Muguka/Miraa regulations of 2023 that will guide how the stimulant will be traded, including licensing and designated areas of sale," Linturi said.
He noted this move aims to streamline the market and address various issues that have plagued muguka farmers and traders.
A significant component of these new regulations is the establishment of a pricing committee.
Gazettement
The committee, which will be officially gazetted by the end of the week, will determine and regulate the price of muguka across all counties.
"The decision to constitute the pricing committee was informed by concerns raised by governors that the cheap price of muguka was making it readily available to children," Linturi explained.
The Agriculture CS assured stakeholders that the government is committed to addressing all issues related to the muguka trade, including the illegal levies imposed by coastal counties. "We are on course and have involved the leaders. We are also looking to engage with governors in coastal counties such as Kwale, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Tana River," he said.
This initiative is seen as a response to widespread concerns about the unregulated sale and use of Muguka, especially among minors.
By setting a standardised pricing mechanism, the government hopes to curb the accessibility of the product to children, thereby addressing one of the key issues raised by local leaders.
In his statement, Linturi expressed confidence in the government's efforts to resolve the challenges faced by the Muguka industry.
"Everything else is under control. I am sure we are going to sort it out," he reassured.
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