Muguka and Miraa dealers in Kwale County will face high taxes after the county administration enacts the 2024/25 Finance Bill.

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani signed the bill, which includes strict measures to regulate the sale and usage of stimulants farmed in the counties of Embu and Meru.

PHOTO | COURTESY Muguka sellers

According to Kwale County Director of Communication Nicky Gitonga, the action is intended to protect the health and well-being of the county's youngsters.

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"Lowering taxes can lead to increased consumption of harmful substances, which could have detrimental effects on the health of younger generations. It's crucial to maintain these taxes to ensure that youths receive proper education and awareness about the risks associated with substance abuse," Gitonga said on behalf of Governor Achani.

Kwale County's measure increases charges on muguka and miraa dealers by more than 100%.

Sellers will now have to pay Ksh.50,000 to be licensed to sell muguka and miraa, up from the previous Ksh.10,000 fee.

PHOTO | COURTESY Muguka sellers

Muguka carriers using trucks or motorcycles will also face higher taxes, with rates increasing from Ksh.3,000 to Ksh.30,000 for motorbike transport and Ksh.300,000 for vehicles carrying 15 tonnes.

County officials, in partnership with the County Assembly and County Attorney Salim Gombeni, have been requested to impose further restrictions to limit the sale and distribution of stimulants.

These restrictions will make selling muguka near schools, religious buildings, and local markets illegal. Instead, trading areas will be developed, with distinct pickup sites set aside for Muguka arrivals.

The implementation of the new regulations will begin on Monday.

Kwale has joined other coastal counties, including Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River, in combating the sale and consumption of muguka and miraa.

PHOTO | COURTESY Muguka sellers

“In our Finance Act, it is Ksh.6,000 per bag of muguka and instead of having another charge, we preferred to keep it at Ksh.6,000 until the matter is determined. Assuming a truck carries about 300 bags… I’d be better off without that Ksh.1.8 million,” the governor said in the interview.

Despite a court judgment to reverse the restriction, Mombasa and Kilifi have banned the drug. The national government has also challenged the decision, stating that muguka and miraa are lawful in Kenya.