Wednesday, June 4, 2025 - Kilifi North MP, Owen Baya, has agreed to withdraw a controversial legislative proposal that sought to delist muguka, a variety of khat from the list of scheduled crops under Kenyan law.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday,
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki confirmed that he held a meeting with Baya
following a request from elected leaders in Embu County, a key muguka-growing
region.
“Hon. Baya has graciously agreed to withdraw his legislative
proposal,” said DP Kindiki.
The Private Member’s Bill aimed to amend the Crops Act, Cap
318, by distinguishing muguka from miraa and removing it from the list of
scheduled crops, effectively ending its legal protection and state support.
This would have allowed County Governments to ban or
regulate muguka without national
oversight, a move that raised concern among farmers in Embu and other producing
regions.
The bill had sparked tensions between coastal and eastern
counties.
Leaders in Mombasa and Kilifi have called for stricter
controls on muguka, citing health and
social concerns, while Embu leaders argue the crop supports thousands of
livelihoods.
DP Kindiki's meeting followed broader discussions with Embu
officials, aimed at aligning national and County priorities in agriculture.
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