Kilifi North MP Owen Baya has officially withdrawn a controversial bill that sought to delist muguka from Kenya’s list of scheduled crops, following high-level consultations with national and county leaders, particularly from Embu County.
The proposed amendment to the Crops Act, Cap 318, aimed to distinguish muguka a mild stimulant derived from Catha edulis from miraa (khat) and remove it from the schedule of crops recognized and protected by the state. Had it passed, the bill would have stripped muguka of legal protection and national support, leaving it vulnerable to regulation or bans by individual counties without oversight.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki confirmed the development in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), noting that the decision followed a meeting with MP Baya. “Following a request from Embu County elected leaders, the Deputy President met Hon. Owen Baya, sponsor of the Private Member’s Bill that sought to delete Catha edulis (muguka) from the schedule to the Crops Act. Hon. Baya has graciously agreed to withdraw his legislative proposal,” said Kindiki.
The move comes amid growing tensions between coastal and eastern counties over the trade and regulation of muguka. Leaders in coastal regions such as Mombasa and Kilifi have pushed for stricter control or outright bans, citing rising public health and social concerns tied to muguka consumption.
However, in regions like Embu, muguka farming is a vital economic activity that supports thousands of livelihoods. Local leaders, including Governor Cecily Mbarire and County Assembly Majority Leader Peter Muriithi, had strongly opposed the bill, arguing that delisting the crop would devastate farmers and disrupt local economies.
President William Ruto had also weighed in last year, warning against unilateral moves by county governments to ban scheduled crops like miraa and muguka, stressing their recognition under national law.
DP Kindiki emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting agriculture and promoting harmony between counties. “Our dialogue with county leaders aims to harmonize development priorities and support agricultural livelihoods. Embu is a key player in national production chains,” he said.
The withdrawal of the bill marks a significant step toward national consensus on the status of muguka within Kenya’s agricultural and legal frameworks.
