Kwale increases Muguka charges to Sh300K per lorry entering county

Governor Achani said this will ensure that the charges remain high to discourage its buying and consumption in the county.

In Summary
  • This comes shortly after Kwale residents faulted Achani for not making a decision similar to Mombasa, Kilifi and Taita Taveta counties.

  • The residents said muguka is harmful to the youth and endangers the future generation.

Governor Fatuma Achani speaks in her office at Kwale Headquarters in Matuga sub-county on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
Governor Fatuma Achani speaks in her office at Kwale Headquarters in Matuga sub-county on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
Image: FILE

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has announced the increase of Muguka charges from Sh10,000 to Sh300,000 per lorry entering the county.

She said this is to ensure that the charges will remain high to discourage its buying and consumption in the county.

"Tumepitisha finance bill nagonja niweke sahihi mtu akishukisha lorry la Muguka, laki tatu (We have passed a finance bill which I'm yet to sign that anyone bringing in a lorry of muguka will pay Sh300,000)" she said.

The Coast region has waged a war against muguka.

This comes shortly after Kwale residents faulted Achani for not making a decision similar to Mombasa, Kilifi and Taita Taveta counties.

The residents said muguka is harmful to the youth and endangers the future generation.

Achani asked residents to take up the concerns with their MPs who legalised the drugs and failed to put measures to regulate its consumption.

Muguka is a scheduled crop in accordance with the Crops Act 2013 and the Miraa Regulations 2023 passed by the National Assembly.

She said her administration is committed to empower the youth affected by drugs and substance abuse.

Mombasa county government was the first to announce the ban on the sale and distribution of muguka.

In an executive order dated May 22, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nasssir said no motor vehicles carrying the products would be allowed entry into the county.

The move was followed by his Kilifi counterpart who banned the use and sale of Muguka.

Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime also banned the product citing that youths in the county are getting hooked.

However, the High Court sitting in Embu County suspended the ban on imposed by the three counties.

In a ruling on Tuesday, Justice Lucy Njuguna issued a restraining order to the counties from effecting the ban on Muguka until July 8, 2024.

"That the pending inter parties hearing and determination of this application a conservatory order be and is hereby granted restraining and/or stopping the respondents and or its agents from effecting, implementing and or enforcing Executive Order No. 1 issued on May 22, 2024, by the 1st Respondent and 2nd and 3rd Respondents to last until the 8th July 2024 when the application shall be heard interpreters," the ruling read in part.

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