Kwale County has maintained its stand on the sale of Muguka.
During a public address in Samburu on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and other local leaders explained the rationale behind the county’s decision with Mackinnon Ward MCA Lennox Mwagawary emphasizing the need for rigorous controls to ensure responsible trading and consumption of Muguka.
“Ata kama kutakua na ulaji wa Muguka lazima kuwe na mikakati, lazima kuwe na sheria ya kula Muguka. Na ndiposa sisi kama Bunge tuliweza kupitisha sheria ya jinsi Muguka utakua unalipishwa ukiingia katika Kaunti yetu ya Kwale,” Mwagawary said.
Muguka fees
The new regulations, passed by the county’s parliament, include substantial fees for transporting Muguka into the county.
Large lorries will be charged Ksh300,000, smaller capacity lorries Ksh200,000, and small packaging units, such as a basin full of Muguka, will incur a fee of Ksh10,000.
“Hivyo basi tunapata kwamba kuko ile lorry kubwa ambayo ni FH ikiingia Kaunti ya Kwale hio tunatarajia watulipe laki tatu. Wasipolipa laki tatu basi hio ni kusema hawako tayari kufanya biashara na watu wa Kwale. Zaidi ya hapo ni kwamba tunashuka hivyo, ile ya miguu kumi nayo tunalipisha laki mbili. Tunashuka hivyo mbaka kiasi cha kwamba ile beseni pia nayo inalipishwa elfu kumi,” Mwagawary elaborated.
Mwagawary highlighted the adverse effects of Muguka on the youth and young men in Kwale County, noting that its consumption has led to school dropouts and marital issues.
“Hivyo basi ni kuhakikisha kwamba tunadhibiti utumizi wa Muguka katika Ward yetu kwa sababu tumeona vijana wengi wamepoteza mwelekeo. Kusoma hawataki kusoma na wale wenye wako na familia, wale wako na mabibi pia mabibi wanalalamika,” he remarked.
The MCA also pointed out the link between Muguka consumption and increased criminal activities.
“Na pia imechangia katika uongezekaji wa utovu wa nidhamu na pia hasa upande wa wizi sababu mtu anataka akale jaba lakini hana pesa ya kula jaba. Akitembea mfukoni anatembea na mahindi anadondoshea kuku huku anamshika anaenda anamuuza katika bei ya kutupa kwa sababu anataka akale Muguka,” he explained.
Mosquito coil
Mwagawary disclosed alarming trends, including instances where he says some users consume Muguka with mosquito coils.
“Na pia tumewaona huku kwetu wameongezea mpaka siku hizi wakila Muguka wanakula na dawa ya mbu ile mosquito coil,” he said.
The decision to regulate Muguka instead of imposing a total ban aims to mitigate its negative impacts while allowing controlled trade.
“Kwa hivyo unaona hayo yote madhara hayo yote bado yanarudi yanatugarimu sisi kama Kaunti maanake tunalazimika kupangia mahesabu ya madawa kwa sana na hivyo basi tumeona hatutavumilia kama viongozi wa Kwale ndiposa tumeweka mikakati hio,” Mwagawary concluded.
Other leaders present at the event also echoed the decision to allow Muguka trade in Kwale County under stringent regulations.
By adopting these measures, Kwale County hopes to balance economic activity with the well-being of its residents, setting a precedent for other regions grappling with similar issues.
