According to Kariuki
Simba, a farmer from Embu County who spoke to the press, the number of casual
labourers being hired had decreased from approximately 1,000 to 100.
"Earlier you
would find that they have employed 1,000 people but now the number has
decreased drastically," he added.
Simba revealed that the reduced number results from the ban on muguka in the Coastal region.
Mombasa County is leading the charge against the stimulant.
He further argued that
hundreds have been left jobless and those left are working in shifts,
significantly reducing their wages.
Additionally, Simba
revealed that the amount of Miraa being sold had also declined. This has
further exacerbated the losses incurred by the farmers.
"Before the ban,
the business was good but after we have lost millions in losses. As we speak,
the amount of Miraa being sold is lower compared to before," he added.
He revealed that some
farmers were opting to throw away the crops and the labourers are maintaining
the farms in the meantime.
Notably, this ban was enforced to prevent school-going children from consuming the stimulant.
All
those found selling miraa face a fine and imprisonment as outlined by each
county.
When the ban was
enforced last month, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir emphasized that the
county was determined to protect all the children. Kilifi Governor on the other
hand Fatuma Achani increased the charges for muguka.
The farmers have asked the county governments to reconsider the ban and instead put measures to regulate the sale.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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