Wajir County tightens grip on miraa trade, bans sales near schools and hospitals
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has signed the 2025 Miraa and Other Substances Control Act, introducing strict zoning, licensing and rehabilitation measures to curb drug abuse and protect youth across the county.
Wajir County has taken a decisive step in its years-long campaign against drug and substance abuse after Governor Ahmed Abdullahi signed into law the Wajir County Miraa and Other Substances Control Act, 2025.
The new law introduces some of the strongest county-level measures yet to regulate miraa and curb the rising tide of harmful substances.
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The Act's signing on Friday, December 5, follows months of heated public hearings, barazas and stakeholder forums held across all six sub-counties.
During these sessions, parents, teachers, religious leaders and youth groups raised concerns about the explosive growth of miraa consumption and its link to school dropouts, addiction, insecurity, and broken families.
These public submissions shaped key provisions of the new Act, particularly the strict zoning rules and protections for learning institutions.
Passed unanimously by the County Assembly last week, the law restricts the sale and consumption of miraa to designated trading zones and bars sales near schools, mosques, churches and health facilities.
The move is aimed at shielding minors and vulnerable groups who, residents consistently warned during public hearings, were increasingly exposed to the drug.
Friday's ceremony was attended by top county leadership, including Assembly Speaker Abdille Yussuf, MCAs, county executives, and dozens of religious and community leaders who had actively participated in the earlier consultations.
Governor Ahmed said the new law is a culmination of public demand and reflects the county's resolve to reverse the growing social damage linked to miraa.
"Today's signing marks an important milestone in strengthening our fight against drugs and substance abuse in Wajir County," he said. "This law sets clear rules to regulate miraa and safeguard our children, our health facilities, and our places of worship."
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, centre, lauded the Miraa and Substances Control Act into law as decisive in reversing the growing social damage linked to the stimulant. (Photo: Courtesy)
The Act reinforces national laws on narcotics and banned substances, and establishes the Wajir County Authority for the Control of Miraa and Other Substances, which will coordinate enforcement, licensing, and public awareness campaigns.
A strong rehabilitation component, another major public demand voiced in the hearings, is also included. It provides a framework for treatment and reintegration programmes targeting individuals struggling with substance-use disorders.
Governor Ahmed commended the County Assembly for passing the bill without opposition, calling it a "collective stand for the protection of families".
Nominated MCA Adan Ali Issack urged miraa traders to comply, noting that public participation forums repeatedly highlighted miraa as a gateway to harder drugs.
"Wherever there is miraa, there are always other drugs," he said. "Our youth are bearing the brunt of this. We must follow the law while also exploring alternative livelihoods for the traders."
Across Wajir, residents have welcomed the new Act, recalling that regulating miraa was one of the most frequently raised public demands during the countywide hearings.
Yakub Aden from Wagberi Ward said the law was "long overdue".
"Controlling miraa has always been our dream. It affects our social and economic life. We are grateful to the Assembly for listening to the people," he said.
Halima Mohamed from Township Ward urged swift enforcement.
"Now the Municipality must act. We want the law implemented fully so that our youth are protected," said Halima.
With the law now in place, attention turns to enforcement, an area residents, religious leaders and youth advocates repeatedly insisted must be robust, consistent, and corruption-free.
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